The unwritten rules of everyday life in a rione of Naples that must be respected. Where a married pizzaiolo, who only smiles, blows a kiss innocently, perhaps not, at a pretty girl, earns him a slap in the face (pg 145). On what moral standings would such actions be justified? It is 1950s southern Italy, Naples is under the historical veil and influence of the conservative Catholic Church. Are the actions of the pizzaiolo so morally wrong that it makes Rino’s macho response acceptable? Ferrante writes little of faith or religion of her characters. I find it hard to believe that society was not influenced in some way considering that the Catholic religion was the official religion in Italy and was a compulsory course in school until 1984. She may very well be a atheist, the link I’ve added certainly suggest it and that maybe a reason religion is not a part of her book. Even though one may not be spiritual, religion surrounds the people and the cultural traditions of the day must be respected. Beyond the cloak of religion, tradition rules the day. One does not just ask a girl out without asking the parents, one does not get into a boys car alone, one does not openly flirt with a girl in pubic. These things are not done, if you do them, you do them a your own peril. Though a slap is not a knife stab or slice to the throat which is meant to kill it is a warning sign that worst can come one’s way.

The attraction men have to Lila is hard to pin point but whatever “it” is, she’s got it. I like to think it’s an energy, a free spirit which can not be defined by just physical beauty. She does have a strong effect on men and she is becoming well aware of it and enjoys the influence that it brings (pg144). How or will she learn to navigate this power to sway and enhance her life? Will she follow the cultural and religious traditions of the day or will she be a free sprit and write her own rules to live by? If we go back to the prologue “She wanted not only to disappear herself, but to eliminate the entire life that she left behind” (pg 23) it’s a good indication that she will write her own rules. 

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2018/apr/21/elena-ferrante-god-didnt-make-good-impression