“‘Smarginatura’ is a concept that is associated with Ferrante’s novels. In the storyline it’s a physical phenomenon that Lila experiences a number of times in her life, where she feels that she is losing her solid outlines, she is in a way, blurring her boundaries and melting into her surroundings—metaphorically losing her identity.” (Grace Russo Bullaro, co-author of “The Works of Elena Ferrante. Reconfiguring the Margins)

At Professor Galiani’s party we see a Lila remaining within her margins (pg 158). Because regardless of her good station within the rione as Mrs. Carracci she can not break the boundaries of her social standing “she feels voiceless, graceless, depraved of movement, of beauty” “They didn’t want to know anything about her”.(pg 161). “They” are the intellectuals, the educated, the well to do. Lila being soundly rejected tries to turns the table on Lenu’ and all the guest at the party, mocking her and her attempt to “speak like those people” (pg 161). Ferrante gives us a clear view of Lenu’ who is thriving with a great desire to expand and grow beyond her rione and Lila who comes to a brutal understanding that she cannot nor is she welcomed outside of it.