Essay Questions

How is tackling unsettled distress emerging as one of the key themes in 'The Lost daughter' by Elena Ferrante?

Leda goes on vacation in the coastal town and rents an apartment with the hope of having a peaceful moment away from everyday responsibilities. Leda's daughters are full-grown, and she is a single mother after having divorced her husband. Leda thinks that she is free to be happy and make choices to enhance her career growth as an academician. Ironically, Leda discovers that she has many unresolved issues in her life, which continue to traumatize her. For instance, Leda was brought up by an abusive mother who always threatened to leave them. Similarly, Leda's marriage never worked, and she had to divorce her husband. Watching the young families at the beach reminds Leda of her unresolved past that haunts her life in the present.

What is the central symbol of the book, and what is its significance?

The central symbol in the entire novel is the doll. The doll is a significant symbol because it shows the relationship between mothers and their daughters. After taking possession of the doll, Leda reflects on her past as a young mother and the hurdles she faced while bringing up her two daughters. Similarly, Nina is a young mother of two daughters, but she seems to commit similar mistakes Leda did while parenting.

How paradoxical is the character Nina?

The reader finds the actions of Nina ironic when Gino kisses her at the beach. Nina is a married woman who should carry herself with dignity, but she does exactly the opposite. Making matters worse, Nina is with her two daughters at the beach, and she is not ashamed of her actions. Leda is also not happy with Nina's decision to make love with Gino in her apartment, and she tries to warn her against her decision to date a stranger despite knowing that she is married to Tonino.