After reading the first two books of Pleasure, I was most impacted by the use of symbols throughout the writing. The objects surrounding the characters in each scene consistently depict the emotions that are exchanged and aid the reader in understanding the true nature of the characters.  This symbolism, to me, can be taken even further as a symbol itself of Andrea’s objectifying of women throughout the entire reading. Objects and the physical world are of upmost importance to Andrea, and even when he has his spiritual revelation after his injury, he very quickly resorts back to his previous one-dimensional thoughts. The use of symbolic scenery also helps the reader distinguish Andrea’s feelings towards Donna Elena and Donna Maria respectively. In a scene on page 159, Donna Maria approaches Andrea down the staircase, and he describes her as moving through trees, emerging behind a rosebush, and throwing leaves at him.  The use of nature depicts Donna Maria’s innocence and sweetness that Andrea sees in her. Whereas, the objects surrounding Donna Elena are often more seductive and luxurious, such as on page 88 when it says, “ the Scorpion took hold of her breasts; a great zodiacal strip of cloth dragged behind her on the carpet, drawing the roses along with it as it if she had already scattered them.” This scene is much more seductive and not as pure as Andreas interaction with Donna Maria.  My prediction is that although Andrea has moved from the more objectifying relationship with Donna Elena to a more innocent relationship with Donna Maria, he will not have a strong enough will to continue his moral progression.  I am curious how his relationships with the two lovers will intertwine and how Andrea will handle a potential opportunity to reunite with Donna Elena.

Andrea’s character is most intriguing to me because as I read the explanations of his thoughts and his perceptions of his surroundings and the women he is infatuated with, I find myself hoping that he will eventually change and almost talk himself into feeling an honest, true love as opposed to an objectifying, fleeting love. It is odd to me that he admits to objectifying the women and only being capable of infatuation, not true love.  On page 157, as he is pondering his feelings for Donna Maria, Andrea asks himself, “Do I love her, then?” The author continues to write, “he feared that delicate enchantment would disperse and disappear like a dream at dawn.” Andrea knows his own flaws, yet seems to be content that he is not a genuine lover.

Another character I am drawn to the character of the marchioness, Andrea’s cousin.  Pages 146-148 include a dialogue between her and Andrea, which is when the reader has the chance to understand their relationship more in depth.  I like this passage from the book because Andrea interacts with a woman that he doesn’t objectify or think of sexually.  The marchioness is the character that introduces Andrea to both Donna Elena and Donna Maria.  I hope further in the book we are able to learn more about her role as Andrea’s matchmaker.  I am curious as to whether or not she knows of her cousin’s shallow personality and manipulative nature when she introduces her female guests to him.

 Books 1 and 2 focus mainly on developing Andrea’s character and telling the story of his relationships with his two different lovers.  I am looking forward to seeing how the two different relationships develop and the person the Andrea ultimately becomes as a result of his relationships, and also who is able to stand strong against his manipulative, dangerous motives.