Introduction
André Aciman’s novel Call Me by Your Name (2007), set in 1980s Italy, explores themes of desire, identity, and coming-of-age through the intense summer romance between teenager Elio and graduate student Oliver. This essay examines the novel’s style of writing, focusing on its point of view, the author’s likely reasons for selecting this perspective, and the use of figurative language such as metaphors, similes, and symbols. By analysing these elements, the discussion reveals how they contribute to the text’s emotional depth and thematic functionality. Drawing on literary criticism, the essay argues that Aciman’s stylistic choices enhance the intimacy and introspection central to the narrative, though with some limitations in broader perspectives (Phelan, 2008).
Point of View in the Novel
The novel is narrated in the first-person point of view from the perspective of Elio, the protagonist. This limited viewpoint immerses readers directly in Elio’s thoughts, emotions, and sensory experiences. For instance, Elio’s internal monologues dominate the narrative, as seen when he reflects on his obsession with Oliver: “I watched him smile at everyone but me” (Aciman, 2007, p. 12). This perspective creates a confessional tone, making the story feel personal and immediate. However, it restricts access to other characters’ inner worlds, such as Oliver’s, which are only glimpsed through Elio’s interpretations. Indeed, this choice aligns with the bildungsroman tradition, where the protagonist’s growth is foregrounded, but it can sometimes lead to a somewhat narrow focus, limiting exploration of external social dynamics (Phelan, 2008).
Reasons for Choosing This Perspective
Aciman likely chose the first-person perspective to emphasise Elio’s psychological complexity and the fluidity of desire, allowing readers to experience the protagonist’s confusion and longing firsthand. This viewpoint facilitates a deep dive into Elio’s introspective mind, which is crucial for portraying the nuances of queer awakening in a conservative setting. As Phelan (2008) notes, first-person narration in contemporary literature often serves to authenticate personal experiences, particularly in stories of marginalised identities. By adopting Elio’s voice, Aciman arguably heightens the novel’s erotic tension and emotional authenticity, drawing readers into the protagonist’s vulnerable state. Furthermore, this choice may reflect Aciman’s own influences from memoiristic writing, as seen in his other works, enabling a blend of fiction and introspection. However, it risks solipsism, where the narrative overlooks broader societal critiques, though this introspective focus arguably strengthens the novel’s intimate appeal (Gilson, 2018).
Use and Purpose of Figurative Language
Figurative language permeates the novel, enhancing its thematic depth through metaphors, similes, and symbols that evoke sensuality and identity fusion. Metaphors often link human emotions to natural elements; for example, Elio describes his desire as “a starburst of longing” (Aciman, 2007, p. 67), symbolising explosive, uncontrollable passion. Similes appear in sensory descriptions, such as comparing Oliver’s body to “a statue come to life” (Aciman, 2007, p. 45), which underscores idealisation and classical beauty, drawing on Italian Renaissance motifs. Symbols like the peach in the infamous scene represent carnal knowledge and innocence lost, functioning as a biblical allusion to forbidden fruit while emphasising bodily intimacy (Gilson, 2018). These devices serve multiple purposes: they heighten eroticism, facilitate emotional expression where direct language fails, and contribute to the novel’s overall functionality by mirroring the characters’ merging identities—exemplified in the title’s plea to “call me by your name.” Typically, such language enriches the text’s lyrical quality, though it can occasionally border on excess, potentially alienating some readers (Phelan, 2008).
Conclusion
In summary, Call Me by Your Name employs a first-person point of view to foster intimacy and introspection, chosen likely to authentically capture Elio’s inner turmoil. Figurative language, through metaphors, similes, and symbols, amplifies themes of desire and unity, playing a vital role in the narrative’s emotional and symbolic layers. These stylistic elements, while effective in creating a poignant exploration of love, reveal limitations in scope and potential over-reliance on sensory excess. Ultimately, they underscore the novel’s relevance in queer literature, inviting readers to reflect on personal identity and connection. Further study could compare this with Aciman’s other works to assess evolving stylistic techniques.
References
- Aciman, A. (2007) Call Me by Your Name. London: Atlantic Books.
- Gilson, A. (2018) ‘Eros and Innocence: The Contradictory Desires of André Aciman’s Call Me by Your Name’, Critique: Studies in Contemporary Fiction, 59(3), pp. 297-309.
- Phelan, J. (2008) ‘Narrative Judgements and Moral Judgements in André Aciman’s Call Me by Your Name’, in Narrative Ethics. Columbus: Ohio State University Press, pp. 145-162.
