an Italian gentleman
The shadowy presence of Italy behind this narrative has not been
explained. It may reflect discussions about moving there that Mary and
Percy Shelley were having while she was writing the novel: shortly after
its publication they did, indeed, emigrate to Italy. On a less personal
note, however, the presence of Italy does extend the geographical bounds
of the pan-European setting to the south, just as the opening in Russia
extends them far to the north. Safie, it should be noted, also travels
north from Italy (Leghorn --
Livorno), to the De Lacey's cottage in Germany, but without male
protection (2.6.6).
- Contexts:
- Critical Approaches:
