A Day Goes By by Luigi Pirandello is a short story that has been widely studied and analyzed by literary scholars. The story follows an unnamed man who wakes up on a train with no memory of who he is or where he is going. As the story progresses, the man encounters various characters who offer him clues about his identity and his past.
One of the most interesting aspects of A Day Goes By is its use of allegory. While the story can be read as a straightforward narrative about a man trying to regain his memory, it also contains deeper symbolic meanings. For example, the man’s journey can be seen as a metaphor for the human condition, as we all struggle to find meaning and purpose in our lives. Additionally, the characters he encounters can be interpreted as archetypes, representing different aspects of the human psyche.
Understanding Allegory
Definition of Allegory
An allegory is a literary device that uses symbolic characters and events to convey a hidden meaning, often moral, spiritual, or political. In an allegory, the characters and events are not meant to be taken literally, but rather as representations of abstract concepts or ideas. The use of allegory allows authors to explore complex themes and ideas in a way that is both engaging and thought-provoking.
Importance in Literature
Allegory has been used in literature for centuries and remains an important tool for writers today. By using symbolic characters and events, authors can create a deeper, more meaningful story that resonates with readers on multiple levels. Allegories can be found in a variety of literary genres, including novels, short stories, and poetry. Some of the most famous examples of allegory include George Orwell’s “Animal Farm” and John Bunyan’s “The Pilgrim’s Progress.”
Overall, allegory is a powerful literary device that allows authors to explore complex themes and ideas in a way that is both engaging and thought-provoking. By using symbolic characters and events, authors can create a deeper, more meaningful story that resonates with readers on multiple levels.
Setting the Scene
Characters and Symbolism
“A Day Goes By” by Luigi Pirandello is a short story that is considered to be an allegory of a man’s life. The main character in the story is referred to as “he” and “him,” and his name is not mentioned. This anonymity of the protagonist is significant because it represents everyman. The character’s wife is referred to as “she,” and his daughter is referred to as “the little girl.” The characters’ names are not given, which makes them universal and symbolic.
Temporal and Spatial Elements
The story takes place in a small Italian village, and the temporal setting is not explicitly stated in the text. Still, it is assumed to be in the early 20th century. The story’s temporal setting is significant because it represents the brevity of life and how quickly time passes. The spatial setting is also symbolic because it represents the limitations of the human condition and how we are confined to our physical surroundings.
The story’s temporal and spatial elements are significant because they contribute to the allegory of life. The temporal setting represents the fleeting nature of life, and the spatial setting represents the limitations of the human condition. This allegory is further reinforced by the story’s characters and their symbolism. The protagonist represents everyman, and his family represents the people in his life.
In conclusion, the setting of “A Day Goes By” is symbolic and contributes to the allegory of life. The temporal and spatial elements, along with the characters and their symbolism, all work together to convey the story’s message.
Narrative Progression
Exposition
In the exposition of “A Day Goes By”, the reader is introduced to the protagonist, a middle-aged man named Signor Ponza, and his mother-in-law, Signora Frola. The story takes place in a small Italian town, where Signora Frola has been spreading rumors about her son-in-law. She claims that he is keeping her daughter, his wife, locked up in their house and that she is not allowed to see anyone. However, Signor Ponza denies these allegations, stating that his wife is dead and that Signora Frola is mentally unstable.
Climax and Resolution
The climax of the story occurs when Signor Ponza’s wife appears in the town square, contradicting his story that she is dead. This revelation causes chaos and confusion among the townspeople, who are unsure of whom to believe. In the resolution, the truth is revealed when Signora Frola explains that Signor Ponza’s first wife did indeed die, but he remarried her daughter, who looks identical to her. Signor Ponza kept his second marriage a secret to avoid further rumors and gossip.
Throughout the story, the narrative progression is driven by the characters’ conflicting accounts of the truth. The use of allegory allows the author to explore deeper themes of perception, reality, and the nature of truth. By the end of the story, the reader is left to question their own assumptions and biases in interpreting the events that have transpired.
Themes and Motifs
Major Themes
A Day Goes By is an allegory that explores several major themes. One of the most prominent themes is the idea of time and how it affects human life. The author uses the allegory to show how time can be both a blessing and a curse. The protagonist of the story is constantly reminded of the passage of time and how it affects his life.
Another major theme in A Day Goes By is the concept of change. The protagonist experiences many changes throughout the story, and the author uses these changes to show how people can grow and develop over time. The story also explores the idea that change can be difficult and sometimes painful, but it is necessary for personal growth.
Recurring Motifs
The allegory of A Day Goes By also includes several recurring motifs that help to reinforce the major themes of the story. One of the most prominent motifs is the use of symbols and allegory to convey deeper meanings. The author uses various symbols and allegories throughout the story to represent different concepts and ideas.
Another recurring motif in A Day Goes By is the use of dreams and daydreams. The protagonist often experiences vivid dreams and daydreams that reflect his hopes, fears, and desires. These dreams and daydreams are used to illustrate the internal struggles that the protagonist faces throughout the story.
Finally, the motif of time is also a recurring theme in A Day Goes By. The author uses various references to time throughout the story to show how it affects the protagonist’s life. The passage of time is used to create a sense of urgency and to highlight the importance of living in the present moment.
Interpretation of ‘A Day Goes By’
Character Analysis
The main character in Luigi Pirandello’s “A Day Goes By” is a man who reflects on his life as he goes about his daily routine. He is described as a successful businessman who is well-respected in his community. Despite his achievements, he feels unfulfilled and dissatisfied with his life. He is also portrayed as lonely and disconnected from his family.
Plot Dissection
The plot of “A Day Goes By” is centered around the main character’s journey of self-discovery. He begins his day by going to work and interacting with various people, including his employees and customers. Throughout the day, he reflects on his life and the choices he has made. He realizes that he has placed too much emphasis on his career and material possessions, and that he has neglected his relationships with his family and loved ones.
The story takes a surreal turn when the main character ages overnight, transforming from a middle-aged man into an old man. This event serves as a metaphor for the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of aging. The main character is forced to confront his mortality and the fact that he has wasted much of his life pursuing things that ultimately do not matter.
In conclusion, “A Day Goes By” is a powerful allegory that explores the themes of identity, mortality, and the search for meaning in life. Through its vivid characters and surreal plot, the story encourages readers to reflect on their own lives and priorities, and to strive for a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Allegorical Techniques
Symbolic Representation
One of the most common allegorical techniques is the use of symbolic representation. In an allegory, characters, objects, and events are used to represent abstract ideas and concepts. For example, in the allegory “A Day Goes By,” the sun may represent the passage of time, while the moon may represent the night or darkness.
Use of Metaphor
Another common allegorical technique is the use of metaphor. In an allegory, metaphors are used to help readers understand the abstract ideas and concepts being presented. For example, in “A Day Goes By,” the sun may be described as a “golden orb,” which is a metaphor for the passage of time. Similarly, the moon may be described as a “silver crescent,” which is a metaphor for the night or darkness.
Overall, allegorical techniques are used to help readers understand complex ideas and concepts in a more accessible way. By using symbolic representation and metaphor, authors can create stories that are both entertaining and intellectually stimulating.
Comparative Analysis
Similar Allegories
A Day Goes By by Luigi Pirandello is considered an allegory of a man’s life. It is not the only allegory of its kind, however. Other literary works that share similar themes and motifs include The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde and The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. These works all explore the idea of the passage of time and the inevitable decay of youth, beauty, and innocence.
Historical Context
Pirandello wrote A Day Goes By in 1935, just a year before Mussolini’s armies invaded Ethiopia. This historical context is important to understanding the allegory of the story. The invasion and subsequent annexation of Ethiopia by Italy in 1936 was a brutal campaign that prompted members of the League of Nations to impose economic sanctions on Italy. Emperor Haile Selassie fled, and Mussolini declared himself emperor. The historical context of the story adds depth and meaning to the allegory of life’s fleeting nature.
Comparative analysis is a systematic approach used to evaluate and compare two or more entities, variables, or options to identify similarities, differences, and patterns. It can build toward other kinds of comparative analysis, such as choosing an additional source to complicate conclusions or revisiting an analysis using a different axis of comparison, such as race instead of class. By comparing A Day Goes By to other literary works and examining its historical context, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the allegory of life presented in the story.
Personal Reflection
Reader’s Perception
When reading “A Day Goes By” by Luigi Pirandello, readers may find themselves feeling a sense of confusion and disorientation. The main character’s lack of identity and memory can be unsettling and may leave readers feeling uncertain about what is happening in the story. However, this confusion can also be seen as a deliberate stylistic choice by Pirandello, as it allows readers to experience the same sense of detachment that the main character is feeling.
Subjective Interpretation
The allegorical nature of “A Day Goes By” also leaves room for subjective interpretation. Readers may find themselves interpreting the story in different ways depending on their own personal experiences and beliefs. Some may see the story as a commentary on the nature of memory and identity, while others may view it as a metaphor for the human condition. The open-ended nature of the story allows readers to bring their own perspectives and interpretations to the text.
Overall, “A Day Goes By” is a thought-provoking and challenging read that encourages readers to think deeply about the nature of identity and memory. While the story may be confusing at times, it ultimately rewards readers who are willing to engage with its themes and ideas.