Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Williamsburg, Brooklyn is symbolic of the pretentious and superficial lives and interests of the main characters in the novel. In recent years, Williamsburg has become known as a focal point for modern-day hipster culture and in the novel the area is used to symbolize inauthenticity: the characters who move here (notably Ludovica) do so out of an attraction to Williamsburg’s superficial reputation rather than any authentic connection to the neighborhood or desire to contribute to local culture.

Panic Attacks

Panic attacks are symbolic of the deeper psychological malaise affecting Italy’s wealthy elites that is belied by the superficial glamor and luxury that their wealth affords them. Characters suffer from panic attacks throughout the novel: notably Ludovica, Anna, and Sergio’s father Bruno. Although these characters are free from financial suffering they are not happy or at ease in their lives as shown through...