Symbolics of the novel “The Woman of Rome” by Alberto Moravia

Abstract

<jats:p> This article analyzes the novel &amp;ldquo;The Woman of Rome&amp;rdquo; (1947) by the Italian author of the XX century Alberto Moravia. As in his other novels, Moravia features a one reflexing character, creating an authorial intention in the oeuvre. The article examines special symbolics in the novel. The events take place in the 1940&amp;rsquo;s, during the Fascism era in Italy: the heroine is a victim of indifference and cruelty of the society and her own weakness, inability to refuse material gains, defend her values and dreams. Emphasis is also made on interaction between the social classes. Unlike the heroes of other novels of Alberto Moravia, Adriana loses her place in the society, changing her behavioral patterns and undergoing reassessment of values. Each character interacting with her can be interpreted as a symbol, representative of a certain class they belong to. And each of them exploit and impact her in their own way. The text in question can be considered as neo-realistic or existential. The author also underlines common traits of the protagonists of Moravia&amp;rsquo;s novels. For example, Cesira the heroine of the novel &amp;ldquo;Two Women&amp;rdquo; (&amp;ldquo;La Ciociara&amp;rdquo;, 1957) belongs to petite bourgeoisie, she also experience the transformation of life attitudes, having become a witness of dehumanization of people and overall indifference towards the fate of the country; but unlike Adriana, who is a victim, she manifests in role of a witness. The scientific novelty consists in analysis of symbolics of the novel and correlation between fate of the heroine and fate of the country. The heroines in the works of Alberto Moravia symbolize Fascist era in Italy differently; only in case with Adriana she personifies the changes, reaching the moral decline and perverting her inner self under the influence of fascism. Analysis is conducted on peculiarities of narration in the novel: her story can be perceived as a confession, or as a conversation with an understanding friend. This softens the perception of tragic events in the novel, since in increases the level of trust of the audience to the heroine. Symbolics of the novel includes the images of Madonna and Dana&amp;euml; (Titian&amp;rsquo;s painting). </jats:p>