Still Life

By 1960, Europe has gained economic momentum. Several post-war legislations, such as the Marshall Plan, have enlivened Italy’s economy, giving people hope for the future. Massimo and Cress discuss all the cultural and economic changes of the last decade, like access to television, automobiles, washing machines, and refrigerators.

Things have also changed for the characters in the novel. Alys is now 14 and grappling with her newfound sexuality; she is interested in girls but is worried about telling anyone. Because of this, a new distance has grown between her and Ulysses. Meanwhile, Peggy is a housewife who now barely communicates with Ulysses and Alys. Alys often goes to England to visit Peggy, but the visits are tense because of Ted.

Pete, Massimo, Cress, and Ulysses admire Alys as she plays guitar on the street. A crowd listens and gives her money. Alys looks around for her secret girlfriend, Romy, an American girl she met at the movie theater. Cress knows that Alys is in love with Romy, but Alys hasn’t told anyone that she is a lesbian. Meanwhile, Cress and Signora Mimmi, whose first name is Paola, have been dating for years. This relationship fills Cress with joy.