The Woman of Rome: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Woman of Rome: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into the complex lives and relationships of its main characters, providing a rich portrayal of societal issues. Central to the narrative is Adriana, a young woman who transitions from seamstress to artist's model, and eventually into prostitution, driven by a desire for financial security and a carefree lifestyle. Her journey is marked by her relationships with several men: Gino, her first lover who deceives her with his marital status; Astarita, her first customer who is both kind and tragic; and Sonzogno, a violent criminal whose strength captivates Adriana but ultimately leads to his downfall and impacts her life significantly.
The narrative also highlights Mino, a conflicted anti-Fascist student who struggles with his ideals and personal failures, leading to a devastating choice. Adriana's friendship with Gisella, who introduces her to prostitution, contrasts with the complex relationship she has with her mother, who, despite initial resentment, comes to embrace the financial benefits of Adriana's choices. This exploration offers insights into themes of love, betrayal, societal expectation, and the harsh realities faced by women in their pursuit of agency within an oppressive context.
The Woman of Rome: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Alberto Moravia
First published: La romana, 1947 (English translation, 1949)
Genre: Novel
Locale: Rome, Italy
Plot: Naturalism
Time: Twentieth century
Adriana (ah-dree-AH-nah), a prostitute. She is a heroically proportioned woman, even at sixteen years of age. She first augments her income as a seamstress by working as an artist's model; next, she tries to become a dancer. When her lover puts off marrying her, she easily drifts into prostitution because she likes men and the indolent life her new profession affords her. She becomes pregnant by a murderer but persuades a young anti-Fascist that the unborn child is his.
Gino (JEE-noh), Adriana's first lover. He promises to marry Adriana, but she discovers that he already has a wife. As her lover, he is soft-spoken and gentle.
Astarita (ahs-tah-REE-tah), Adriana's first customer, brought to her by her friend Gisella. He is a police official and is friendly to Adriana, even to keeping her lover Mino out of prison. Astarita is killed by Sonzogno in revenge for a slap.
Sonzogno (sohn-ZOHN-nyoh), a hoodlum. Adriana admires his strength, takes him as a lover, and becomes pregnant. Sonzogno, seeking revenge for a slap, seeks out Astarita at the ministry where he works and throws the man over a balcony to his death.
Mino (MEE-noh), a nineteen-year-old student and an anti-Fascist. He is a weak young man. When he is questioned by the police, he betrays his fellow conspirators and later commits suicide in remorse. He is convinced by Adriana that he is the father of her unborn child.
Gisella (jee-ZEHL-lah), Adriana's friend and fellow prostitute. Gisella acts as procuress to start Adriana in her career.
Adriana's mother, a poor woman who sells her daughter's physical charms as an artist's model and then is bitterly angry when the girl accepts a lover. When Adriana's prostitution brings in money and offers promise of an easy life, the mother is quite content.