Gino Carella is a pivotal character in E.M. Forster’s novel “Where Angels Fear to Tread.” He is a young Italian who becomes entangled with a group of English tourists in his hometown. Here’s a detailed sketch of his character:
- Charming and Handsome: Gino is often described as very attractive and charming. His physical appeal and charismatic personality are what initially draw the English character Lilia Herriton to him, leading to their controversial marriage. His charm is not just in his looks but also in his demeanor, which is confident and engaging.
- Passionate and Emotional: Gino is characterized by his passionate nature. He is deeply emotional, a trait that is typical of the stereotypical Italian character portrayed in early 20th-century literature. His emotions drive many of his actions, particularly in his relationships.
- Culturally Traditional: Gino is deeply rooted in his Italian culture and traditions. This aspect of his character often puts him at odds with the English characters, whose values and lifestyles are markedly different. His traditional views, especially regarding family and gender roles, play a crucial role in the novel’s exploration of cultural clashes.
- Complex Personal Relationships: Gino’s relationships are complex and multifaceted. His relationship with Lilia is both tender and fraught, reflecting the cultural and personal differences between them. Later in the novel, his interactions with other English characters, especially Philip Herriton, reveal deeper layers of his personality, including a capacity for both friendship and antagonism.
- Development and Transformation: Gino undergoes significant character development throughout the novel. Initially portrayed as somewhat superficial and carefree, he evolves, particularly in the wake of personal tragedy. This development showcases his depth and the capacity for change, making him a more sympathetic character.
- Patriarchal and Protective: Gino is shown to be patriarchal, a trait that reflects the societal norms of his environment. He is protective, especially regarding his family, which is a significant aspect of his character, particularly in the later parts of the novel.
- Moral Ambiguity: Gino’s character often embodies moral ambiguity. While he is capable of kindness and warmth, he also exhibits traits of impulsiveness and at times, insensitivity. This complexity makes him a realistic and intriguing character.
In summary, Gino Carella is a multifaceted character whose charm, passion, cultural roots, and complex relationships play a central role in “Where Angels Fear to Tread.” His character serves as a lens through which the themes of cultural clash, emotional complexity, and personal transformation are explored in the novel.
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Gino is the most important character in the novel “Where Angels Fear to Tread”. After the character Lilia is the most important among the characters of the novel. Lilia is more complex than Gino. In spite of the complexities Lilia and Gino are the pair characters in novel. They focus on the entire novel. Forster has twisted these characters in his novel. Although, the novel is the first attempt of the novelist. When it was written the novelist was 26 years old.
Gino Carella is the son of a dentist of Monteriano which is a very small town of Italy. Lilia falls of prey of Gino Carella. He is a charming young man. But he is a vulgar and brutal man. His brutality is proved when he neglects Lilia. He ignores her. But this tendency does not live long. And Lilia dies in giving birth to Gino’s child.
Lilia’s perception of Gino’s world was in correct. Italy was a delightful place to live if one happened to be a man, not a woman. Life was very pleasant in Italy if one was a man. Gino made it known that his wife could visit no where nor would he bring any people to his house. He would treat her as women were treated in Italy.
On the day of delivery, Gino summoned his relatives to bear him company in his time of need. In the darkened maternity room, Gino said to Lilia. “My love! my dearest Lilia ! Be calm. I have never loved anyone but you.” Too broken by suffering and being aware of the reality. She simply smiled.” Before the child was born, Gino gave her a kiss and said, “I have prayed all night for a boy.” Some strangely impulse moved Lilia. She said faintly: you are a boy yourself, Gino’ he answered. ‘Then we shall be brothers.”
Abbott’s visit to Gino’s house to rescue the baby proves very educative. He learns the truth about the man. He is charming. He is no fool. He conquered her the previous year. The novel was full of tragedy and Gino was unaware of the tragedy. When Philip told Gino that what had happened, he made no immediate reaction. Philip added: “My sister is ill, and Miss Abbott is guiltless. I should be glad if you did not have to trouble them “Gino was still passive. Philip said. “It is time to be unhappy. Break down or you will be like my sister, you will go.” Then suddenly Gino moved his left hand forward and gripped Philip by his broken elbow. You brute!” exclaimed the English man. “Kill me if you like! But just you leave my broken arm alone.”
Gino and Lilia are round characters, whereas Mrs. Herriton and Harriet are flat characters.
