Piazza question - *spoiler!*

I posted what I thought was a good comment on this issue in the Piazza Synopis thread, so I'll cut and paste that over here:

"Clara's injury is described on the CD and hinted at musically and lyrically: the silliness of "We're on vacation!" and "that's a completely naked statue" and her outbursts when lost (Hysteria) and when Franca kisses Fabrizio (Octet).

"Clara's injury is one of the interesting dilemmas of this story, because it's not clear whether Clara is cognitively impaired (neuropsychological damage) or just emotionally impaired. As a psychologist, I see a big difference. Indeed, her ability to learn Italian over the course of a few months indicates that she isn't stuck with the cognitive acuity of a 12 year old. At the same time, the depth of her feelings for Fabrizio and her insight into her mother's love life seem to suggest that she isn't emotionally "frozen" at 12 either. I wonder, too, how much Margaret's sheltering of her daughter has contributed to the problem. I suppose that's why when Margaret lets go in the end it is so fulfilling, because we have been given glimpses of the fact that Clara is probably capable of more than her mother ever thought possible. Maybe that's because she just needed to be given a chance, or maybe it's because love has transformed her. Either way, it's a beautiful ending that leaves us with questions to ponder and hope in their answers."

As a psychologist, I've seen a number of children, adolescents, even adults who have suffered neurological damage, development delays, or traumatic injuries that affect some, but not all, facets of their behavior. As a result of Clara's accident, she is naive, self-consumed, and overly emotional, but that may also be the result of Margaret's efforts to forever protect her as well. Like most accident victims, Clara is able to acquire some new skills (Italian, for example) but has emotional outbursts that are regressive and immature. I don't think it's an inconsistency in the story -- just the opposite. But like so much about The Light in the Piazza, it forces you to consider more than can be summed up easily or appreciated at first glance/hearing.

On the other hand, I too think that the undressing scene at the end of act one is unnecessary (I love BroadwayAbridged's description that "soft core porn begins"). Not that Clara is incapable or wouldn't want to sleep with Fabrizio, but I personally feel that she would need more time to feel comfortable going that far, and that a more subtle approach would have been more effective.

Sorry for the long post.

Yes, thank you for that!

I found that the lack of lyrics in a good portion of this song was to convey their inability to communicate with words due to a language barrier. I found it very effective. They were concentrating on their emotions and not striving to find the words that do not come easily. I found this scene to be staged beautifully. My head nearly exploded at how great this scene made me feel.

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Updated On: 6/21/05 at 02:48 PM

I agree with these posts just wanted to put in my 2 cents. The OBC Recording has the dialogue from Margaret saying she was 12 when she got kicked. I remember he other dialogue in the show was something about how she would develop more slowly....not completely STOP developing emotionally and socially. So, while there are some immaturities that stick out (the yelling out and some confusion) she is probably not like a 12 year old in a 26 year olds body. I saw her to be about 15-16 but with some immature aspects that made her seem younger at times. I think Kelli plays her beautifully and the beauty of the show and the character is that although Clara herself is not "perfect" she can have and experience a perfect love. And right on cue Love To Me starts on the i-tunes....god I love this part..."tearing up as usual"