My Brilliant Friend

What is the deeper meaning of Lilas "border dissolving"?

Lila experiences, what she calls " border dissolving", the first time at Stefanos New Year party. Everything, all borders, dissolve for Lilas eyes, as if it was a proven fact, and not just hallucinations.

I'm having difficulties understanding, what border dissolving means in the novell. I understand what it is, but I want to understand, what it means in deeper aspects, what links it could have to Lilas life.

For example, I think of how Lila never leaves Naples, before she disappears in her late years (Elena believes she leaves Naples). Is her disappearance in the end the final completion of Lilas border dissolving, where she literally dissolves her borders?

I'm open for all thoughts about this! Thank you in advance!

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Last updated by Maria M #857650
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"Borders dissolving" refers to Lila's ability to see the truth. An example of this can be found in the way she suddenly sees her brother, Rino, for what he is.... and not the way she believes him to be.

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My Brilliant Friend

Thank you, I really think that's true. She sees everything as it is, not hidden behind the borders and contours. She sees the violent and terrible world, she lives in. But do you think Lilas disappearance in the end could have any links to her border dissolving?