inning he withholds food and shelter until she concedes defeat, but with the realization of absolute power he decides to keep taking it further. In retribution for the abuse he has suffered he punishes Raphaella for the evil deeds of the upper class. He orders her around and belittles her just as she did when the tables were turned, but he can only abuse her verbally for so long. His lack of education and upbringing leave him with few options, first and foremost violence but also a level of emotional abuse. The physical abuse forced Raphaella into submission and broke her spirit. The emotional abuse resulted in Raphaella’s falling in love with Gennarino, perhaps due to force or perhaps due to her need for a dominant partner. This relationship continued mutually on the island for some time, even possible rescues were avoided. In that basic, fantasy-like setting, surrounded by nature and removed from capitalism and labels, they coexisted peacefully. They lived together as man and wife far away from the society that kept them at separate levels until Gennarino decides to put their love to the test; to return to their old society. It is back in their former world that we find out who truly fell in love, not Raphaella but Gennarino. She reverted back to her old ways and values upon her return to her old life; maybe a woman like her could never really change. In her society she is in love with power, with wealth—survival in it’s own right. By removing the individual from it’s representation the film takes on a new and different light. It portrays a class struggle, a battle for power and respect, and a clash between old traditions and the ways of a changing world. For me, the last scene captured the point of the film perfectly. As Gennarino’s wife walks ahead of him, angry with him for having an affair, he obediently follows and carries her suitcase. This represents his return to his society as well as his...
