Moravia’s Agostino blog post

I found this read very interesting. Unlike some of the other novels we read, I had a much more difficult time putting this one down. This is different for me as I typically really enjoy reading if I can somehow relate to the characters or storyline in some way. This was definitely not the case for this particular read. 


As mentioned in some of the other blog posts, there was certainly a unique relationship between Agostino and his mother, at least in Agostino’s mind. It definitely made me feel a bit uncomfortable at times and could maybe be described as a bit intimate. I definitely sensed that they had a very close relationship, perhaps not with many other people around them in their lives.


They seem to stick to a relatively similar day to day life. That is until a young man catches the eye of Agostino's mom. Suddenly, he is no longer alone on his daily boat excursions with his mom and has to watch this young man take his mom's attention. This is frustrating for him as he's always been the one to receive all of his mom's attention, with his father having died when he was young. 


The relationship Agostino's mom forms with this young man forces their mother/son relationship to be distanced. This in turn pushes agostino towards a group of boys who are not the most kind and come from a ‘rougher’ way of life. However it seems as though Agostino craves approval from this group, even if that means being treated unfairly. I got the feeling that he hadn't experienced hanging around these types of guys and lifestyle before. Knowing that Agostino's family comes from some money, this was probably a first for him. I think this made him a lot more vulnerable to the group.


Moreover, these guys happened to know a bit about Agostino’s mother, things that he should have been made aware of sooner. After spending time with them on their adventure for the day, it is almost as if when Agostino comes back, he has some in regards to his mother. When he’s back home in her presence, “He realized quickly that although she was now a woman in his eyes, she remained more a mother than ever” (69). His view had changed completely and he maybe even resented her for the way she had been behaving around him for so long (things like displaying her naked body inappropriately). 


I feel like I have a lot of questions but one I have for the class is wondering what would've happened if the group of guys hadn't come into Agostino’s life? Would the inappropriate thoughts continue until some sort of male figure shakes him into some realization, or would this simply lessen with age/maturity?

Comments

  1. c.cFebruary 7, 2022 at 4:18 PM

    I like your thoughts on the formation of the outside influences as catalysts for him realizing the "truth" of what was happening. Which is interesting, considering how bluntly he described his mothers actions in the beginning. Which shows that it is an alteration of his perception that was necessary as he grows.

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  2. BiancaFebruary 7, 2022 at 5:07 PM

    Hey Daisy!

    I agree with what you said about the group of boys' influence on Agostino. Being bullied into learning about such important aspects of life at a young age must be pretty bad. I do think Moravia tries to show the more embarrassing and uncomfortable aspects of adolescence in the worst way possible to sensitize the audience. Agostino could have had an easier transition into adulthood like many teenagers do, but I don't think that would have allowed the author to convey his message efficiently.

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  3. MONFebruary 7, 2022 at 9:49 PM

    Hello, I really enjoyed your insight on the book. Regarding your question. I beleive that the thoughts woould continue despite of the kids. It was clear that to some extent he had those thoughts about his mother from the begining, something with his loved map that developed arround a youger age.

    -Montserrat Avendani

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