Reading The Mad Toy definitely took me some time because it was a little emotionally heavy. Similar to when I watch shows or movies, sometimes I get engrossed in a book, and this novel had that sort of effect on me. Reading about Silvio’s life and the hardships he’s had to face was slightly overwhelming. One of the main things I thought about was how Arlt conveyed that Silvio’s failures are not due to reasons like his lack of hard work or intelligence, but strictly due to the result of external reasons like the rigidity of the economic and class structures. Society plays a massive role in acting as a barrier towards any chance of success. While Arlt does acknowledge some of Silvio’s not so great choices, he critiques capitalism more and challenges the constant norm to hold individuals responsible instead of the system. With this, Arlt somewhat hints at an important question: whether hope is even a possibility under these circumstances?
This leads me to think about how Silvio is in a constant state of imagination through the adventure books and fantasies, which I find incredibly interesting. It seems as if Arlt showcases this state of mind as Silvio’s way of hope or sense of escape, perhaps. I feel that this is something many of us can relate to. We humans often use imagination in various ways, whether that’s watching a movie, a comfort tv show, or reading a fantasy book to escape reality sometimes. For Silvio, it seems as if doing this helped with momentary relief from the poverty, allowing him to imagine the roles and power he’d want to have. However, while temporarily it provides comfort, it simultaneously acts as a reminder of the life he can’t have, increasing the negativity he feels towards his reality.
Additionally, I like how the novel has touched upon topics that do actually occur in the real world. Even if it is things we do not see every day, that does not mean they aren’t happening in the world. To some extent, the description of frustration felt by people in poverty, the oppression they face, limiting opportunities, and the constant failure are all very much still there today. Perhaps this may explain why reading this novel feels heavy and slightly overwhelming (at least it did for me). I would love to discuss what exactly is provoking such emotions while reading this novel. Is it the way Arlts wrote it, or is it the difficult realities of life we’re shown or perhaps our own knowledge of the inequality and poverty in this world? My question is, while reading this novel, did it elicit any specific emotions, and why?
Best,
Tripti
7 replies on “Mad Toy – Overwhelming?”
Hi Tripti!
Interest analysis!
I think that the balance that you build between social difficulties/boundaries and Silvio’s bad choices are one of the key aspects of the novel.
It definitely can tell us something about every day situations.
Please share your thoughts and ideas on the class!
Don’t forget to make two comments on your classmates’ blogs.
See you tomorrow.
Julián.
Hi Tripti!
Thank you so much for your insightful analysis. I agree with you on how Silvio’s life has emotional weight. This is accentuated because he has little control over his failures and like you mentioned, he is impacted by external factors. It is such social disparities that shuts him out, even when he tries to turn his life around.
I think this might even highlight how people with low SES often have fewer resources, while those in higher SES have greater amounts and a much easier time supporting themselves. Whether it is staying healthy, having access to education, or other things. I really enjoyed reading your blog!
Hi Tripti!
Thank you so much for sharing! I totally agree with you on how Silvio’s life can be emotionally heavy. This is accentuated because he has little control over his failures, rather it is societal influences and structures that impact him.
This reminded me of how those with low SES have fewer resources, while those with higher SES are often equipped with greater amounts and have an easier time supporting themselves. Whether it is healthcare, access to education, or other things. I really enjoyed reading your blog post!
I agree with you this book is emotionally heavy.
You mentioned that it is hard to say whether hope is possible under these circumstances. From the book, every time Silvio think he harnessed some opportunity, he eventually lose it, sometimes even with no reason.
While reading this novel, this types of moments provoked my feelings a lot.
Hi Tripti!
The main emotion this novel got me to feel was definitely frustration with the environment that Silvio was in – it made me feel bad for him, even though his actions also sabotage his life at time. I also like your point about how this novel criticises society’s systems more than the individual!
Hi Tripti!
I can definitely relate to the emotional heaviness after reading this book! I had to sit with it for a bit of time to process how it left me feeling towards the end. I suppose that’s because in a way we can all relate to/ immerse ourselves into such a context that we start to see similarities between Silvio’s struggles for ambitions and our own. I’d like to assume it felt overwhelming for the most of us since Arlt takes the real world situations and sort of puts it into extreme possibilities we would rather not think of when things go awry…? Like you, I’m not sure either but would love to explore more on what draws us all into the book!!
Hi Tripti,
Very detailed post, I really liked the fact you touched on a lot of critical themes within this novel. I can also relate to point you made about being engrossed by tv shows and movies as the book also made me feel this way!