Tozzi Free Writing Introduction

       In Tozzi’s novel, Eyes Shut, the protagonist, Pietro, internalizes his emotions and often fails to participate in reality. This disconnect with his surroundings leads to the reader’s confusion as to the actuality of events and circumstances. In Pietro’s youth, he is constantly subjected to the abusive dominance of his father, leading to extreme insecurity and a low self-esteem. His distressed childhood influences him to live a life with “eyes shut.” He prefers to create illusions of happiness, dismissing truths that could ruin his carefully protected delusions. Accustomed to abuse and distress, Pietro creates an internal world that protects him from hurt and betrayal by negating their existence and removing him from their reality.