The Bracelet as Motif

Throughout the novel, the incessant reappearance of Giovanna's bracelet allows the author to explore the idea of loyalty and betrayal. When the bracelet first appears in Part II, Chapter 2, it seems consequential only to Vittoria. Giovanna immediately senses for her aunt "it was an important object and my not having worn it could be an affront" (52). The more she learns about the piece of jewelry, however, the more Giovanna realizes its enigmatic origins and significance to almost every individual in her immediate sphere. Over the course of several decades, the object belonged to Enzo's mother, Vittoria's mother, Vittoria, Giovanna, Costanza, and, later, Giuliana.

Each time the bracelet is passed to a new individual, the other characters become jealous and bitter. Enzo seizes the object from his dying mother to impress his lover's mother. Later, Vittoria and Andrea war over the heirloom. Instead of...