Mad toy by Roberto Arlt

Mad toy, I’d say is an easy read that hooks you with the dialogue and imagery. Nonetheless, its value should not be underestimated. The literary text is filled with all types of experience, unfolding numerous adventures and stages in the life of Silvio, the main character. We are immersed in the nuanced development of Silvio’s character, beginning with his more childlike, impulsive self—a rebel filled with curiosity and excitement. This carefree lifestyle is abruptly interrupted when Silvio and his friends come close to being exposed in their illicit activities, grasping on the beginning of stepping into adult life. However, the narrative takes a deliberate turn in the second part, transitioning into a more reflective tone. As we navigate Silvio’s dialogues, his internal conversations unfold with a mature and thoughtful way “I threw away my cigarette, and paying for what I had eaten, I made my way back to Souza’s house.” (pg. 73)..

There is a transition from one more “good for nothing” boy to the man of the house, where he is expected to work to help his mother and sister. Delving into the analysis of Silvio proves intriguing as his essence remains constant, characterized by a persistent imagination and a unique perspective in depicting characters. Given this, we can see how Silvio grow’s up, and the way he perceives the world and perhaps how he attains trauma from it “hatred of the world’s indifference, of the endless daily misery, and at the same time a nameless pain: the certainty of my own uselessness” (pg. 56) and see’s himself lonely in it.

Silvio starts as a spectator of being a character in a book to someone facing real-life consequences. As we progress into subsequent sections, we witness Silvio tackling with the challenges after his discharge from the military. Nevertheless, the book consistently maintains a captivating blend of adventure, introspection, and engagement. My curiosity remained piqued throughout, eagerly anticipating the unfolding events, to peek into the corners of Silvio’s surroundings: to sense the very bed he occupied while working in Don Gaetano’s bookstore or to see the reaction of Vicente Souza when he opened the door of his home. One thing I especially liked was the dialogue and inner thoughts he had when he spoke with his mother. I could see the emotions and struggles Silvio faced “I looked at her. Her face, a terrible figure of compassion and remorse, broke my heart” (pg. 112), I’d say we see the best part of Silvio when he thought of his family.

My discussion question: So there are times when he mentions what he hears “The tower’s under guard” Do you think there is an underlying message here? What is the message behind Silvio’s connection with the books he refers to?