Arrival and Anticipation

In the sun-drenched Italian villa, seventeen-year-old Elio Perlman anticipates the arrival of Oliver, a charming American scholar staying with his family for the summer. Elio is initially dismissive, viewing Oliver as just another guest. However, Oliver's confident demeanor and enigmatic presence intrigue Elio, sparking a complex mix of admiration and resentment. As they navigate the villa's vibrant social life, Elio becomes increasingly aware of his growing attraction to Oliver, a feeling that both excites and confounds him. The summer stretches ahead, filled with the promise of discovery and the fear of uncharted emotions.

Summer's Unfolding Desire

As the days pass, Elio's initial indifference gives way to a consuming fascination with Oliver. Their interactions are charged with unspoken tension, each moment a delicate dance of proximity and distance. Elio is drawn to Oliver's intellect and charisma, yet struggles with the intensity of his feelings. The villa becomes a backdrop for their evolving relationship, where every glance and gesture carries the weight of unexpressed desire. Elio's internal conflict grows, as he grapples with the fear of rejection and the longing for connection.

The Unspoken Connection

Despite the lack of overt communication, a profound connection develops between Elio and Oliver. They share moments of quiet intimacy, where words are unnecessary, and understanding flows effortlessly. Elio is both exhilarated and terrified by the depth of his emotions, unsure of how to navigate this new terrain. The summer heat mirrors the simmering tension between them, as Elio yearns for a sign from Oliver that his feelings are reciprocated. The unspoken bond between them becomes a source of both comfort and torment for Elio.

The Berm's Revelation

The turning point in Elio and Oliver's relationship occurs during a bike ride to Monet's Berm. In the secluded beauty of the landscape, Elio confesses his feelings to Oliver, breaking the silence that has defined their interactions. Oliver's response is cautious but not dismissive, acknowledging the complexity of their situation. This moment of vulnerability marks a shift in their dynamic, as both men confront the reality of their emotions. The berm becomes a symbol of their shared understanding and the possibilities that lie ahead.

The Dance of Avoidance

Following their encounter on the berm, Elio and Oliver engage in a delicate dance of avoidance and attraction. They oscillate between moments of closeness and periods of distance, each trying to protect themselves from potential heartbreak. Elio is consumed by his desire for Oliver, yet fears the consequences of acting on it. Their interactions are fraught with tension, as both men struggle to reconcile their feelings with the constraints of their circumstances. The summer days slip by, each one bringing them closer to an inevitable decision.

Rome's Last Embrace

As the summer draws to a close, Elio and Oliver travel to Rome, where they experience a brief but intense period of intimacy. Away from the villa, they are free to explore their connection without the constraints of their everyday lives. The city becomes a backdrop for their final embrace, a moment of pure emotion that transcends words. In Rome, they find a fleeting sense of belonging and acceptance, knowing that their time together is limited. The trip serves as both a culmination of their relationship and a poignant farewell.

Echoes of Departure

After Oliver leaves, Elio is left to grapple with the void his absence creates. The villa, once filled with the promise of summer, now feels empty and desolate. Elio reflects on the impact Oliver has had on his life, recognizing the profound change he has undergone. The memories of their time together linger, haunting him with what was and what might have been. As Elio navigates the aftermath of their relationship, he learns to cherish the experience for what it was, even as he mourns its loss.

The Return and Reflection

Years after their summer together, Elio and Oliver reunite, each carrying the weight of their shared past. Their meeting is bittersweet, filled with nostalgia and unspoken longing. They reflect on the impact they have had on each other's lives, acknowledging the enduring bond that remains. Despite the passage of time, the connection between them is as strong as ever, a testament to the depth of their relationship. As they part once more, Elio is left with a sense of closure, knowing that their story, though unfinished, will always be a part of him.

Characters

Elio Perlman

Elio is a seventeen-year-old boy spending the summer at his family's villa in Italy. He is introspective, sensitive, and intellectually curious, with a passion for music and literature. Elio's relationship with Oliver becomes a catalyst for his emotional and sexual awakening. Throughout the summer, he grapples with his feelings of desire, fear, and vulnerability, ultimately learning to embrace his true self. Elio's journey is one of self-discovery, as he navigates the complexities of love and identity.

Oliver

Oliver is a twenty-four-year-old American scholar staying with Elio's family for the summer. He is confident, charming, and intellectually gifted, with a magnetic presence that draws people to him. Oliver's relationship with Elio is marked by a deep, unspoken connection that challenges his own understanding of love and desire. Throughout the summer, Oliver navigates his feelings for Elio with caution, aware of the potential consequences. His time in Italy becomes a transformative experience, leaving a lasting impact on both his and Elio's lives.

Mr. Perlman

Mr. Perlman is Elio's father, a professor of archaeology who hosts young scholars at the family's villa each summer. He is wise, compassionate, and deeply understanding of his son's emotional journey. Mr. Perlman provides a safe space for Elio to explore his feelings, offering guidance and support without judgment. His open-mindedness and empathy play a crucial role in Elio's self-discovery, as he encourages his son to embrace his emotions and learn from his experiences.

Marzia

Marzia is a local girl who becomes romantically involved with Elio during the summer. She is warm, affectionate, and intuitive, sensing Elio's inner turmoil even as they grow closer. Marzia represents a more conventional path for Elio, offering companionship and understanding. Their relationship provides Elio with a sense of normalcy and comfort, even as he grapples with his feelings for Oliver. Marzia's presence in Elio's life highlights the complexity of his emotions and the choices he must make.

Vimini

Vimini is a young girl living next door to Elio's family, who forms a close bond with Oliver. Despite her young age, she is wise beyond her years, offering insight and understanding to those around her. Vimini's friendship with Oliver provides him with a sense of grounding and perspective, as she sees through the complexities of adult relationships with clarity and simplicity. Her presence in the story serves as a reminder of the innocence and purity of genuine connection.

Plot Devices

Unspoken Desire

The novel's central plot device is the unspoken desire between Elio and Oliver. Their relationship is marked by a series of subtle interactions, where every glance and gesture carries the weight of unexpressed emotions. This tension drives the narrative, as both characters navigate their feelings with caution and fear of rejection. The unspoken desire creates a sense of longing and anticipation, heightening the emotional stakes and drawing readers into the complexity of their connection.

The Italian Summer

The idyllic setting of the Italian villa serves as a backdrop for Elio and Oliver's transformative summer. The lush landscape, warm climate, and vibrant social life create an atmosphere of possibility and change. The setting mirrors the characters' emotional journey, as the beauty and intensity of the summer reflect the depth of their feelings. The Italian summer becomes a character in its own right, shaping the narrative and influencing the characters' actions and decisions.

The Passage of Time

The novel explores the passage of time as a central theme, highlighting the fleeting nature of Elio and Oliver's relationship. The summer serves as a microcosm of their connection, with each day bringing them closer to an inevitable separation. The passage of time underscores the bittersweet nature of their love, as they cherish the moments they have together while knowing they are limited. This theme adds a layer of poignancy to the narrative, as the characters grapple with the reality of change and loss.

Analysis

"Call Me By Your Name" is a poignant exploration of love, desire, and identity. Through the lens of Elio and Oliver's relationship, the novel delves into the complexities of human emotion and the transformative power of connection. It examines the tension between longing and fear, the struggle for self-acceptance, and the impact of love on personal growth. The novel's rich, evocative prose captures the intensity of first love and the enduring nature of memory, leaving readers with a profound understanding of the human experience.

Last updated: January 17, 2025