I M Not Scared Themes

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In the novel, ‘I’m not Scared’ written by Niccolo Ammaniti explores the themes of Innocence, Betrayal and Truth. Set in the fictional small town of Aqua Traverse, located in the South of Europe, the story follows the young protagonist, Michele, and his discovery of the reality of what is happening around him. Michele, in his youth, uses his imagination to explain why bad things happen. However, during the text Michele is exposed to the harsh reality around him, teaching that it is not the monsters in his mind he should be afraid of but the people around him. His own father, Pino, shows Michele this during various events during the story. Other characters such as Felice and Sergio add to Michele’s revelation and rude awakening out of the naivety …show more content…

This significance in his life is the reason why he is such a major player in the change of perspective and understanding that Michele has about the world around him. Pino is the main driver of the idea that ‘it’s men you should be afraid of, not monsters’. Stating the line to Michele long ago, reflected on by Michele in two situations with the text. His father proves himself correct with Michele’s discovery of his involvement in the kidnapping of Filippo and the horrific proposal of ‘…cut off two’ of Filippo’s ears. The unearthing of Pino’s contribution in the capture and imprisonment of his knew friend, Filippo, makes him question his previous beliefs of ‘ogres and… gypsies’. Therefore, bending his fear towards the individuals around him, specifically the adults of Aqua Traverse. Illustrated by Ammaniti with the way Michele refers to his father as the ‘Bogeyman’ which could be understood as Michele linking his father to the monsters he created, as a way to explain the frightening events happening around him. Furthermore, demonstrating why Pino is such a main character in the transformation of Michele’s understanding of imagination and reality, other characters that play a part in this change of view are Felice and

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