Summary

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The Conformist explores the psychological roots of fascism within the mind of a single individual, Marcello Clerici. This sweeping narrative traces his journey from a troubled childhood in affluent Roman society to his untimely death during a wartime air raid. Through Marcello's life, the novel delves into the complexities of conformity and the allure of authoritarianism.

Early Influences and Childhood

Marcello grows up in a privileged yet emotionally barren environment. His father, a former military man, is emotionally distant, and his mother oscillates between spoiling and neglecting him. Lacking genuine affection, Marcello finds solace in destructive pursuits within his parents' wild garden. His delicate features make him a target for bullies at school, fueling an obsession with acquiring a revolver to assert dominance. This fixation leads to a fateful encounter with Lino, a former priest turned chauffeur, who attempts to seduce him under the guise of providing a gun. Marcello's impulsive reaction to Lino’s advances ends in the chauffeur's supposed suicide when Marcello hastily fires the gun and flees.

The Path to Fascism

As Marcello matures, he becomes a minor operative within the Fascist secret police. Eager to prove his allegiance, he devises a plot to entrap his former university mentor, Professor Quadri, who opposes the regime from his exile in Paris. Marcello suggests using his honeymoon as a cover to approach Quadri, aiming to solidify his status as a dependable Fascist. His quest for acceptance drives him to sever ties with his dysfunctional family and ally himself with the conventional values of his future in-laws.

Marriage and Inner Turmoil

Marcello's emotional detachment extends to his fiancée, Giulia. Despite lacking genuine affection, he views her as a symbol of the normalcy he craves. Pressured by Giulia, Marcello visits a church for confession, revealing his unatoned crime to a priest for the first time. Although absolved, he remains haunted by an ineffable sense of guilt and dread. During their Paris honeymoon, Marcello's attempts to satisfy his wife's desires are mechanical and devoid of passion.

The Paris Encounter

In Paris, Marcello and Giulia are introduced to Professor Quadri and his wife, Lina. Marcello is unexpectedly captivated by Lina, experiencing true erotic attraction for the first time. However, Lina's flirtation with Marcello is a ruse; her real interest lies with Giulia. Unbeknownst to Marcello, Lina attempts to seduce Giulia, but her advances are met with indifference. Quadri extends an invitation to travel with them to Savoy, which Marcello declines, covertly arranging for Quadri's assassination instead.

Betrayal and Consequences

The dinner shared by the two couples is a pretext for Marcello to identify Quadri to his assassin, solidifying his betrayal. Despite Quadri's attempts to recruit Marcello into the anti-Fascist cause, Marcello remains unmoved. Their night culminates at a lesbian club favored by Lina, where both Marcello and Lina unsuccessfully pursue their respective desires. Disappointed, Lina decides to accompany Quadri to Savoy, where both meet their tragic end at the hands of the Fascist assassin.

An Empty Victory

Upon returning to Rome, Marcello learns from his associate, Orlando, that the assassination order was rescinded too late to prevent the murder, rendering his betrayal futile. This revelation underscores the senselessness of his actions, leaving Marcello with a hollow victory.

The Final Reckoning

In the aftermath of Italy's defeat, Marcello faces the collapse of his career and stability. Amidst public celebrations, he encounters Lino, alive and well, shattering Marcello's long-held belief in his culpability for Lino’s death. The realization that the cornerstone of his guilt was an illusion forces a confrontation with his past deeds and the facade of his existence.

A Tragic End

Seeking refuge, Marcello, Giulia, and their daughter leave for the countryside. Tragically, their escape is cut short when a plane gunfire strikes their car, killing the family. This abrupt end encapsulates the futility and fragility of Marcello's quest for conformity and power.

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