It’s my pleasure to end this class with this great book!!!
“We grew up with a duty to make it difficult for others before they made it difficult for us” (37).
In such a place, there is no genuine friendship between adults; they share only a common interest. The relationships between families appear relatively indifferent, and the friendships among children are fragile because they mimic the behaviors of adults, being influenced by them. Each family seems inherently selfish, fearing trouble and reluctant to assist one another. Hence, in the oppressive atmosphere described in the book, I feel a heightened sense of the preciousness of the friendship between the two characters.
The author’s depiction of this friendship surprises me, as I believe the idea presented doesn’t entirely align with the generally understood positive or pure feelings associated with friendship. It is as if the thoughts that have crossed one’s mind are precisely articulated with words.
I believe many have experienced a similar situation driven by possessiveness in friendships. For instance, Elena discovers that during a certain period, Lila diverted her focus to her shoemaking business instead of their shared language (studying). This creates a sense of distance between them, as if a friend has lost interest in something you still hold dear. This can lead to a feeling of loss, as if a stranger has invaded the once most intimate part of your connection, surpassing even the past secrecy. Yet, this paradoxically proves the purity of friendship. In a way, I find similarities between friendship and love.
I also want to talk about Lila, and my feelings towards her are filled with regret. I understand that both Elena and Lila sought to escape the lower class in their own ways – Elena through continuous studying under the guidance of her teacher, and Lila through marriage to change her circumstances. However, for a fiercely independent and clear-minded woman like Lila, settling into the role of a conventional girl beneath her dignity is a greater torment than “poverty.” The most rebellious person has also become the one quickest to compromise with life; Lila chose to marry. It’s at this moment that Elena realizes that the very excited, domineering Lila has disappeared. From the descriptions in the book, it’s evident that Lila is a highly distinctive girl. (skipping school and ask Achille to give her doll back). Hence, her earnest invitation to her teacher to attend her wedding becomes a poignant moment when the teacher, opening the door, says, “I know Cerullo, I don’t know who this girl is.(308)”
Initially, the title of the book is “Brilliant Friend,” and given that the narrative is presented from Elena’s perspective throughout, I naturally assumed that Lila is the brilliant friend. However, upon completion, I realized that in Lila’s eyes, Elena is also her brilliant friend.
The brilliant but impoverished Lila who gave up her education; the charismatic but wealth-seeking Lila who chose marriage – both aspects evoke sympathy. However, I believe there is always a sanctuary in Lila’s heart, a sanctuary that belongs to both her and Elena. As long as Elena does not give up her pursuit of education, a part of Lila remains alive within her. “I cannot be like you, but you can live the way I want to.” The mutual empowerment between women, as depicted, is truly beautiful.
Lastly, the ending of the book stops at Marcello Solara showing off the pair of shoes handmade by Lila, and I can’t help but feel even more sorry for this girl. It seems she has done everything she possibly could, yet she is abandoned again. The person she detests the most is now wearing the leather shoes she made with her own hands.
Can you comprehend the type of friendship described in the book—which involve possessiveness, jealousy, and resentment—emotions that are not quite “positive”?
5 responses to “My Brilliant Friend – Elena Ferrante”
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Yes, this kind of jealousy, possessiveness and resentment doesn’t seem to apply to an ordinary friendship. But, amazingly enough, that’s how Elena and Lila’s friendship began. But it seems to me that as people from the lower class, they both aspire to a better future and cross-class ideals, and so they compete with each other. But what we must not forget is that how could these two wonderful people not recognize each other’s sparkles? It is their uniqueness that binds them together.
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I agree with your thoughts on the less than positive aspects of their relationships. Having been in a friendship similar to the one of Lila and Elena, I can tell you it is not great! I am no longer friends with this person, thankfully. I do believe that Lila changes at the end of the novel for better and for worse, and I think Elena and Lila can remain friends through these changes in their own unique way. I am not sure if as they age they will have a more stable and positive relationship, but hopefully they mature!
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This was a really beautiful post and I feel like you’ve depicted a lot of the same thoughts I had! I think the idea of this mutual empowerment or of supporting your friends when they make different choices but still feeling connected or a bunch of conflicting feelings is definitely well described in this novel. Thanks for sharing! Maia D.
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“there is no genuine friendship between adults; they share only a common interest. The relationships between families appear relatively indifferent, and the friendships among children are fragile because they mimic the behaviors of adults, being influenced by them.”
Oh, this is a good point, and one hadn’t considered. But it’s true: we really don’t see any adult friendships. So the girls’ friendship is even more precious (and precarious) as a result.
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I meant: “one *I* hadn’t considered.”
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RMST 202 201 
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