The man, the myth, the legend: Freud is back yet again. I think I speak for everyone (or mostly everyone) that he was the first that came to mind after reading the first few pages of « Agostino » by Alberto Moravia. I went into this book thinking it would be a fun summer read. And Boy, was I wrong. The novel captures the tumultuous transition of the thirteen-year-old protagonist Agostino from childhood into adolescence.
Although « Agostino » is not just a story about coming of age, it feels more like an intimate portrayal of the confusion, curiosity and realization of the ever-changing dynamics of relationships and self-awareness. Moravia describes the inner turmoil of a boy who, during a summer vacation, begins to see his mother and the world around him through a new, unsettling lens.
We follow Agostino’s train of thought, trying to find himself who he is and wants to be. In fact, we discussed this in my psych class the other day, but according to Erik Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development, Agostino is currently in the stage called Identity vs Role Confusion, which spans from 11 to 18 years of age in which the individual experiments with and develops identity and roles. Indeed, we can clearly see how Agostino tries to find himself, his identity, and who he is throughout the book. Moreover, we can also understand that AgostinoMo is trying to fit in with his so-called friends. On page 73, for example, he says that « He deliberately started wearing his ugliest and most worn out clothes », that « he deliberately stopped talking about his house and his wealth », and overall, he changed things about himself to try to fit in, to try to find his place, his identity and his role in this world.
The novel begins innocuously enough, with Agostino spending idyllic days boating with his mother, whom he adores and idolizes (a bit too much, maybe??). However, when his mom starts seeing a young man, it sends Agostino into a whirlwind of emotional turmoil and awakening as he grapples with feelings of jealousy, abandonment and a sexual awakening.
Speaking of sexual awakening, the Oedipus concept strikes yet again. When I tell you, I was SHOCKED when he said, « She wasn’t naked, as he had almost sensed and hoped while entering, but rather partly undressed and in the act of removing her necklace and earrings in front of the mirror ». He was referring to his MOTHER… I was like, what in the Freud is happening here? So yeah, that was weird… However, this scene reminded me of a scene (and if you’re French, you might have studied it) in « La Princesse de Clève » by Mme de la Fayette where M. de Nemours stands outside the princess’s window and observes her while she was getting ready for bed in front of the mirror.
Discussion question: Do you believe the author’s portrayal of Agostino’s thoughts regarding his mother was excessively bold, or do you find it appropriate for the narrative’s themes? Considering the era in which « Agostino » was published, how do you think contemporary audiences reacted to the novel?
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