Giovanni's Room

Giovanni’s room is a space of multiple meanings in the text not only as a primary setting but also as a symbol. David explicitly reads the room as a symbol for Giovanni’s life and his mental state. Giovanni came to Paris without a strong will to live, and the room visually reflects this inner turmoil:

When one began searching for the key to this disorder, one realized that it was not to be found in any of the usual places. For this was not a matter of habit or circumstance or temperament; it was a matter of punishment and grief (87).

David reads in Giovanni’s carelessness with his things a neglect of his life. By physically entering the room, David becomes a part of Giovanni’s life. Giovanni views David as his life’s savior, as he gains a motivation to live through loving David. David helps to tidy the space while Giovanni is away at work, symbolizing how he positively influences Giovanni’s outlook on life for a time.

When Giovanni loses his job, he begins remodeling the room both to show his love for David and to maintain control over his collapsing life by “push[ing] back the encroaching walls” (114).