BEATEN.

In the beginning of the novel we are introduced to Fabrizio, Vito's best friend. The two boys spend their days smoking cigarettes and rebelling against their childhood. Unfortunately, we soon realize that Fabrizio is no ordinary boy. His defiant mannerisms are evidently portrayed because of his fathers actions towards him, literally.

"'Looking for Fabrizio eh?' he said, catching my glance as I passed. 'He's got a broken ass.' The boys around him laughed." pg.95

This quotation is expressed by Fabrizio's brother Fulvio in a laughing manner; more importantly, it shares with the reader that Fabrizio is getting physically abused by his father. Not only has he lost an abundance of weight, but he has also been taken out of school to work in the fields. Regardless of his age, Vittorio stops visiting Fabrizio because he cannot bear the sight of seeing his good friend being beaten.

Though this may not seem to have a dramatic impact on Vittorio's life, it most definitely reveals an aspect to his personality. Through this we see that Vito is very aware. Vittorio is a caring, young boy who does not want to witness anymore pain in his life. He lacks confidence and nerve. Personally, I believe that his mother is to blame for this.