Political Critique of Fascism
In the afterword to the revised edition of A Coin in Nine Hands, it is remarked that this novel was deliberately crafted with a political essence. The author deemed it one of the pioneering French novels to peel back the ornate veneer concealing the emptiness of Fascism. Undeniably, Yourcenar endeavors to delve into and reveal the subtle malevolence she perceives as infiltrating the essence of life in Italy on the brink of World War II. Her narrative deftly intertwines the illusion of idealism with the art of deception.
Intriguingly, the setting of A Coin in Nine Hands, Rome in 1933, diverges from Yourcenar's usual milieu, positioning this novel as an outlier in her oeuvre. Yet, thematically, she navigates familiar literary terrain: the timeless enigma of human fate, the rejuvenation of the self through illusion, and the psychological interplay between the corporeal and the transcendental demise.
Symbolism of the Coin
Within the novel's pages, the titular coin drifts almost serendipitously from one key character to another. It serves as a subtle thread weaving together their disparate lives, each marked by personal struggles and hidden patterns. Despite its trivial worth in terms of money, the coin bears immense significance in shaping the narrative’s unfolding drama and artistic flair.
As "the symbol of contact between human beings each lost in his own passions and in his intrinsic solitude," the coin transcends its material form. It becomes a powerful tool for unveiling character identities and illuminating the thematic essence of the story.
Proximity of Death
Central to the novel’s intricate tapestry is the theme that looms large and persistent: the shadow of death. Yourcenar deftly leads the reader through a labyrinth of characters, each uniquely navigating the inescapable. They either evade, dread, prolong, or come to terms with their inevitable fate. Curiously, one pair of "hands" deploys a coin to disguise the truth, while another indulges in a fleeting joy, and yet another finds solace in welcoming the end.
However, at the novel’s heart lies the specter of violent death, with the foiled attempt on Mussolini's life playing a pivotal role. This event propels the narrative forward, weaving together the moral threads of Yourcenar's political vision.
The Need for Illusion in Life
The most important theme of A Coin in Nine Hands is the need for illusion in life. Without such illusions, most of the characters in the book would be unable to exist. The only two who live in reality, Dr. Sarte and Massimo, seem to be miserable. Clearly, the demand for supporting illusions is related to the political situation of 1933. Fascism seems to be an illusion in itself but not one that comforts the people; instead, it drives them deeper into other substitutes for life. Thus Mussolini is at the heart of the novel, even though his name is never mentioned and he is referred to only as “Caesar.”
Lack of Love and Connection
A related theme is the lack of love or even connection between man and woman. All the married couples are separated except for Giulio and his shrew of a wife. Potential relationships, such as those between Marcella and Massimo or Dr. Sarte and Angiola, are incomplete or distorted. One of the ideals of this Fascist state was family, but it seems to produce the opposite effect. Everyone, from the highest ranks—Dr. Sarte—to the lowest—Oreste—is alone. Yourcenar says that of one of the main purposes of the book is “to confront the hollow reality behind the bloated facade of Fascism,” and it is nowhere more apparent than in these broken relationships.
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