Agostino was a very interesting story to me. It dipped into many different topics, such as sexuality, class, and “growing pains.” Although it dealt with heavy and uncomfortable subject matter, I felt somewhat relaxed while reading it. I think this was due to the fact it is written in such a passing way, since nothing that is being discussed is portrayed as a bad thing, and the only character who’s internal monologue we get to experience is Agostino, who does not understand the weight of his thoughts. The writing painted a wonderful picture of what Agostino’s life was like, and I felt as though it did a great job of getting across all the important points without being overwhelming or boring to read, making it very easy to get through.

As many others have touched on in their posts, there is an obvious unhealthy relationship between the mother and Agostino. The sons obsession with possession of his mother, and her view of her being so sexual, becomes the centre of all his thoughts. No matter what he is doing, he somehow seems to be able to relate it to his mother, and his jealousy of her relationship. Agostino begins to act out, perhaps in attempts to distract himself, but also perhaps unknowingly he was trying to get her attention, and cause her enough concern that she would abandon the young man and instead go back to spending all her time with Agostino. Either way, Agostino’s rebellious acts do not give him the satisfaction he hoped for, and he is instead left feeling defeated, and like he has lost his sense of self.

Not only was Agostino’s view of his mother disturbing, but the way Agostino seems to view women overall does not seem healthy. When he is rejected from the house, and he spies through the window, it implies that he may not have respect for intimacy in that manner. It also reminds me of the taboos of sex work that still are around to this day. Agostino felt as though the transaction of it all would be uncomfortable, although it was an agreed upon arrangement. These thoughts before approaching the house give us insight to his immaturity, even though he does not seem to understand he is. After finishing the reading, my question is, while these thoughts simply just be immaturity that Agostino grows out of? Since he is only 13, there is plenty of time to mature and understand these subjects more. However, some of his thoughts seem so extreme, it leaves me to wonder if Agostino will forever have an obsession with his mother, and a poor understanding of himself.