The deliberate choice to leave the plot unresolved in the novel is a thematic decision that carries profound significance. A manuscript version, discovered after the author’s death and seemingly intended as a potential screenplay, reveals Enea Ratalli as the culprit of both theft and murder. However, in the finalized publication, the author, Gadda, purposefully omits this definitive conclusion, opting for an open-ended and ambiguous ending instead.

This approach sets the novel apart from the typical conventions of detective fiction, which often hinge on providing a clear resolution to the mystery. Gadda’s work, however, diverges from the classic whodunit formula. His primary focus is not on unveiling the perpetrator but rather on exploring the intricate puzzles that life presents. A neatly wrapped-up ending might satisfy the reader’s curiosity, yet it would betray Gadda’s deeper narrative intention.

Ultimately, the lack of resolution reflects the complex and often unresolved nature of human existence, inviting readers to ponder the broader mysteries of life. By shunning the expected closure, Gadda remains true to his literary goals, challenging readers to embrace the ambiguity and uncertainty inherent in the world around them.

In the intricate world of Gadda’s narrative, lives are enmeshed in a tapestry of connections that defy straightforward comprehension. These connections, often shrouded in mystery, reveal Gadda's exploration of "destiny"—an intricate mesh of hidden correspondences and overlapping psychic forces. Whether driven by proximity, intention, or mere coincidence, these interwoven threads bind characters in a web of irony and significance. It is this network of seemingly unrelated lives that forms the novel’s true thematic essence: a complex pattern that resists easy dissection, even by the most astute of detectives.

Gadda’s writing style is a unique tapestry that mirrors and embodies the complexity of his philosophical outlook. His prose is exceptionally self-aware and intricate, weaving together a diverse range of elements that reflect the multifaceted nature of his ideas. This includes an eclectic combination of literary allusions, Latin quotations, and terminology borrowed from the realms of science and medicine. Furthermore, Gadda enriches his narrative with puns, inventive words, and obscure topical references that root his work firmly within the context of contemporary Italian society. His use of language extends into the vibrant dialect and slang of Roman vernacular speech, creating a textured narrative that is both challenging and rewarding for the reader. The sentence structures he employs are intricately layered and highly nuanced, demanding attention and engagement. In this way, Gadda’s style is not a mere vessel for his ideas; it is an integral part of his philosophical message. The tone of his prose shifts seamlessly from the artificially refined to the deliberately raw, encompassing a spectrum that ranges from wit to sardonic commentary. This stylistic approach, rich and mosaic-like, encapsulates the very essence of his novel, making Gadda’s work a profound reflection of the complex and multifarious world he seeks to depict.

Rome’s rich tapestry of culture, myth, and history weaves an intricate narrative where the past intricately intertwines with the present, producing a compelling thematic landscape. This vibrant historical continuity is evident in the names of characters such as Pompeo, Diomede, Ascanio, and Lavinia, each echoing Rome’s mythical and heroic legacy. The city’s streets, alongside its renowned churches and public buildings, remain steadfast symbols of Renaissance and Baroque splendor, offering a stark, ironic contrast to the grim realities of Mussolini’s dictatorship. The juxtaposition highlights the depth of Gadda’s satire, underscoring the grotesque incongruity between the city’s glorious heritage and its then-contemporary political climate.

Yet, beneath this satirical lens, there lies an acknowledgment of a deeper, immutable essence of Roman life. Gadda suggests that despite the changing times, the fundamental nature of Roman behavior and emotions has endured, forming a continuous thread through history. In the words of Ingravallo, this enduring quality is part of a "system of forces and probabilities" that envelops every human being, capturing the timeless character of Rome’s inhabitants. Thus, the narrative of the novel becomes a chapter in a much larger, ongoing saga of Roman culture and humanity, emphasizing a cultural and historical persistence that transcends the ages.