Myumi Lee
IB English HL I
2023-24
Dr. Malashewski
Dialectical Journals: The Lying Life of Adults
Selected passage
(inc. page #)
“I wasn’t even too hostile
when, one night, my father
showed up, looking
discouraged, and they talked in
the living room. I heard my
mother laugh once or twice,
then that was it, she must have
realized that it was a laugh
from the past. In other words,
I didn't think: if she's stupid so
much the worse for her; now I
seemed to understand her
feelings. My attitude toward
my father fluctuated more. I
hated his opportunism.”
(Ferrante 196)
“But the bracelet half covered
by the sleeve of the jacket was
the one I had given back to my
aunt and I was so surprised I
didn’t even say hi. Vittoria,
Vittoria, I didn’t know what to
Within Elena Ferrante’s The Lying Life of Adults, this passage
highlights Giovanna’s evolving understanding of familial dynamics.
Her initial response to her parents' interaction was conveyed
through a subdued acceptance, lacking in hostility. Witnessing her
mother’s laughter, Giovanna discerns its fleeting nature, recognizing
it as a memory from the past: “I heard my mother laugh once or
twice, then that was it, she must have realized that it was a laugh
from the past” (Ferrante 196). This astute observation demonstrates
a growing awareness of the transformative nature of emotions,
suggesting a maturation in Giovanna’s perspective. Moreover,
Giovanna’s fluctuating attitude toward her father reveals a nuanced
understanding of his character. Despite harboring resentment
towards his opportunism, Giovanna’s sentiment changes,
indicating a deeper comprehension of his struggles: “My attitude
toward my father fluctuated more. I hated his opportunism.”
(Ferrante 196). Ferrante uses this fluctuation to emphasize the
complexities of parental relationships, where love and resentment
coexist in a delicate balance. Through the motif of laughter, the
author symbolizes both nostalgia and disillusionment, highlighting
the fragility of familial bonds. This passage serves as a deep
reflection on the complexities of human relationships and the
capacity for empathy even in the face of betrayal or disappointment.
This passage from The Lying Life of Adults by Elena Ferrante delves
into the complexities of familial relationships, particularly through
the recurring symbolism of the bracelet. Giovanna’s shock upon
seeing the bracelet, originally given to her by her aunt and now
adorning her cousins wrist, unveils layers of betrayal and familial
chaos: “But the bracelet half covered by the sleeve of the jacket was
 think, she really was the way
my parents had described her.
She had taken it from me, her
niece, and now, even though it
seemed that she couldn’t do
without it, she had given it to
her goddaughter. How
brightly the bracelet shone on
Giuliana’s wrist, how it gained
value.” (Ferrante 228)
Section 5
the one I had given back to my aunt and I was so surprised I didn’t
even say hi.” (Ferrante 228). The bracelet acts as a tangible
representation of familial ties, carrying emotional weight and
history within its gleaming appearance. Furthermore, the author
employs vivid imagery to describe the bracelet’s newfound beauty
on Giuliana’s wrist, suggesting a transfer of affection and loyalty
within the family dynamic: “How brightly the bracelet shone on
Giuliana’s wrist, how it gained value.” (Ferrante 228). This
transformation highlights the shifting allegiances and betrayals that
exist within familial bonds, as Giovanna’s gift is now bestowed
upon Giuliana. The repetition of “Vittoria, Vittoria” conveys
Giovanna’s inner turmoil and disbelief at her aunt’s actions,
emphasizing the sense of betrayal and disillusionment: “Vittoria,
Vittoria, I didn’t know what to think, she really was the way my
parents had described her.” (Ferrante 228). This passage explores
the vast web of familial relationships, highlighting the profound
impact of betrayal on individual identity, while ensuring that the
subtle distinctions of human emotion remain symbols of
connection and betrayal.