At one hundred and forty pages this 1948 novella, by the celebrated Ernesto Sabato, makes up for in literary punch what it lacks in length. Deservedly named a “Modern Classic” by Penguin it contains elements drawn from Freudian, surreal and existentialist influences. It is an interior monologue tracing obsession where psychological reality and unreality clash.
The artist Castel becomes fixated with Maria, he stalks her until they meet. Possibly aided by his art and fame they form a relationship. The course of the affair is dominated by Castel’s intense ideals and paranoia. He deals with every micro comment and behaviour with impossible logic and extrapolation, in which Maria is always judged to be suspect or guilty. The fatal climax is followed by his recollection from the prison cell.
The book is a study in the psychosis of a narcissistic ego. It is described through the meeting of that personality in a romantic relationship with another. The effect on Castel is written in very short intense paragraphs which draw out the relentless anxiety and battle between an increasingly twisted logic and a sociopathic sensibility. His efforts to control only lead to increased perceptions of powerlessness. This self-absorption means he actually sees little of the real Maria, typical observations of her are, “She looked frightened” and “Maria’s eyes were sad”. As Sabato does such a good job of looking through Castel’s eyes the tiny amount of Maria we see is both shocking and tragic.
Why? Why does Castel think and behave as he does? Is this climax of his life the explosion of forces that have been brewing since childhood? There are scattered clues in Castel’s endless referencing and thoughts, which you will collect as you read. Overall, the impression seems to be left of someone who craves an impossible ideal he blames others (mother?) for setting and in true misanthrope style all other women are in on the conspiracy. Presumably, Castel can only function in society by presenting a split personality, aggravating his issues. Help or intervention is not sought or offered, all this happens in distilled isolation. In moments of self awareness he sees himself as in a mental tunnel, with glimpses to the outside.
Sabato presents a contrast to Orwell and Kafka, here the oppressor and the repression are internal. The terse and controlled writing style directs and communicates the story of chaotic mental dissolution. A modern day Othello.
Mark's Reviews 