The Story of the Lost Child

How would you describe the novel’s attitude to romantic love? How does Ferrante show that Lila and Elena’s relationships with men are secondary to their friendship?

Does Ferrante portray Nino or the Solara brothers as more sympathetic? Give reasons for your answer, referring closely to the text.

To what extent does the relationship of Tina and Imma resemble that of Lila and Elena? Why do you think Ferrante presents mutual influence and a struggle for power as a perennial quality of female friendships?