Pelagia: A Reliance on Each Other

manner. Their relationship can be seen as democratic, possibly reflecting the author's negative views on fascism. This interpretation is reinforced by the fact that the subsequent chapter focuses on the Duce and fascism.

De Berniere's characterizes their relationship as a "tiny democracy," which contrasts with the broader themes of fascism portrayed in the novel. This perspective is particularly attributed to Iannis, who opposes fascism but also assumes a position of power in their relationship. De Berniere's underscores that their relationship holds significant importance in the novel, suggesting a parallel with the workings of democracy. This notion is reinforced later in the book with the arrival of Corelli, an Italian army captain who also opposes fascism and shares many beliefs with Iannis.

In De Berniere's novel, Pelagia's appreciation for physical beauty is subtly mentioned before the introduction of Mandras. Pelagia is also shown to admire Velisarios, implying that strength can be seductive. Although this admiration for strength is common among everyone, it is interesting that De Berniere's specifically names Pelagia at this moment. This could potentially foreshadow the unfortunate demise of Mandras' and Pelagia's relationship, which may be based on superficial qualities such as physical beauty.

The passage emphasizes Pelagia's social position and her relationship with the people on the island. It is noted that she is known for being vocal and assertive, which is acknowledged by the statement "Pelagia was living up to her reputation as a scold." Furthermore, De Berniere highlights Pelagia's strength and determination, while also pointing out that women are not granted status in society. It is made clear that Pelagia's father, who is a doctor, grants her a certain level of respect and status

even amongst the men. This portrayal of Pelagia as a strong character with societal status, but differing ideals from the Cephallonian society due to her father's influence, aligns with Iannis' outsider beliefs as well. Although Iannis is an outsider, his position as a doctor allows his beliefs to be accepted by the island's inhabitants.

In this passage, Iannis predicts the downfall of Pelagia’s relationship with Mandras by saying, “I have often believed that you would only find true happiness with a foreigner.” De Berniere's highlights Iannis' deep understanding of his daughter, a realization she has not yet come to. Despite his own opinions, Iannis does not interfere with Pelagia’s choice and allows her to decide for herself about the marriage. This demonstrates his trust in Pelagia’s judgment and shows that he has raised her to be independent and capable of making her own decisions. By doing so, De Berniere's emphasizes the fact that Iannis and Pelagia stand apart from Greek customs, as a traditional father would typically assert control over his daughter's marital arrangements.

Comparing the relationship between Iannis and Pelagia to that of Penelope and her father Icarius in Greek mythology, it becomes apparent that their relationship is less tragic and more affectionate. Icarius loved Penelope so much that he could not bear to be separated from her when she got married. Similarly, Iannis shows the same love for Pelagia, as evidenced by his sad remark, "I don't know how I'll manage when you've gone." However, De Berniere's portrayal of Iannis also reveals his ambitious nature when it comes to Pelagia, as he believes that the doctor is not an equal match for her. This raises

the question of whether Pelagia felt a lack of motherly love, considering she was raised by her father after her mother's early death. When engaged to Mandras, Pelagia's interaction with Drosoula, Mandras' mother, depicts acceptance and admiration. Drosoula seems proud of Pelagia's intelligence, possibly because she herself is not as educated. According to De Berniere's, Drosoula was exactly what Pelagia needed at that time, and Pelagia became reliant on her, visiting her house almost every day. However, as we continue reading, it becomes clear that Pelagia's dependence on Drosoula was due to her concern for Mandras and her need to share her feelings with someone who understood their emotional connection. Once Mandras returns and their affection fades away, Pelagia no longer appears to require Drosoula or the nurturing love of a mother figure.The novel reveals that as we progress, Iannis acts as a motherly figure to Pelagia. Ultimately, Pelagia is grateful for not having a mother because she had the exclusive love and attention of her grieving father. This highlights the significance of Pelagia's relationship with Iannis, surpassing her relationship with Drosoula.

In the chapter titled "Dr Iannis counsels his daughter," Iannis plays a motherly role towards Pelagia. However, whether this can be considered true mothering, and if the relationship is portrayed as affectionate, is a topic for debate. Iannis directly confronts Pelagia, stating, "I have noticed, Pelagia, that you have fallen in love with the captain." In Greek tradition, a father's reaction to his daughter falling in love while betrothed would be different. Iannis acknowledges this disparity and demonstrates his understanding of Pelagia's situation. "I do understand. That's why I am talking to you as

equals rather than shouting at you and forbidding everything as a typical father should." This illustrates that their relationship goes beyond traditional family values. Dr Iannis values his daughter's happiness above all else and does not prohibit the relationship. However, he also does not actively encourage it. Instead, he advises Pelagia to "pray for the liberation of the island," implying that she should wait until after the war before pursuing or announcing her relationship.Iannis displays genuine concern for his daughter by warning her about the risks she will face, such as being called a collaborator. This highlights the growth in their relationship. When discussing the proposal to Mandras, Iannis allows Pelagia to make her own decision, demonstrating that he trusts her judgment. However, he now expresses more caution and wants to ensure that she is fully aware of the consequences as well.

The conversation between Iannis and Pelagia revolves around Pelagia's relationship with Corelli. Although Corelli is initially portrayed as a captain in the Italian army with strong fascist ideals, his time with Iannis and Pelagia reveals him to be a gentle and caring person, contrary to expectations. Initially, Iannis rejects Corelli due to his position and supposed duty to hate them. However, it becomes evident that they share more similarities than initially thought, leading to Pelagia falling in love with Corelli. Unlike Mandras, who lacked intellectual discussions with Iannis, Corelli comes from an educated background. Despite Iannis' apparent dislike for Corelli, there are moments of directness and humor between them that resemble his interactions with Pelagia, showing his deep affection for her.

Although the relationship between Pelagia and Corelli can be argued as one of the

key relationships De Berniere's makes it clear in ‘Pelagia’s Lament’ that her father was more important than any other man in her life, including Corelli "he was the only man I’ve loved that loved me to the end." In this chapter, De Berniere's reveals more about Iannis than he has in any other chapter, he doesn’t present him as the traditional Greek father but he does present him as a very sweet father "he would tickle me until I felt nearly sick with laughing, and then he’d sit me in a chair and comb my hair." De Berniere's presents Pelagia’s lament as a summation of everything Iannis was, her father, her mother, and her friend. And that shows their relationship to be very sweet.

In conclusion, the relationship between Iannis and Pelagia in the novel is considered the most important because it encompasses multiple types of relationships - that of a father to a daughter and also that of friends. De Berniere describes this as the key relationship, possibly because it embodies his own ideals. Their relationship is democratic, which opposes fascism, and it is also different from Greek tradition. While some moments in the novel show their interaction to be sweet, especially in the introduction and conclusion where Iannis admires Pelagia and vice versa, there are also moments of discomfort and confrontation in their journey. Overall, De Berniere portrays their relationship as realistic and challenging, but when viewed as a whole, it can be described as sweet.