The Falling Girl

“The Falling Girl” is abstract and artistic depiction of young woman’s journey to the ground after releasing her grip from the railing of a skyscraper. She does not fall in traditional fashion but rather floats at a decided speed waving to the skyscrapers tenants as she passes. Her descent marked with quick verbal exchanges and internal musings of the ever-changing social classes gathered on the various floors. Although outwardly she is falling, during much of the prose there is a deeper theme akin to a failed attempt at personal ascension. The themes of individual vs society and free will vs fate envelope the character as she struggles to find her place in the world before the clock stops ticking and she meets the ground. In her final moments,
While young and confident at the outset, she is defiant to conformity ““No, thanks, friends. I can’t. I’m in a hurry”” (Buzzati) she says, not to be slowed by the distractions of others along her vertical path. Passing the top floors of wealthy charming people, she inherits a sense of pride and self-assurance from their glances. “The beautiful people, then, were interested in her and that filled her with satisfaction” (Buzzati). She is decidedly happy with her choice to be independent and free; until the ground gets closer, the sky darker, and the hour later. ““They’re waiting for me down there,” she answered, “I can’t stop. Forgive me”” (Buzzati). Passing the lower working classes she becomes much more unsure of it now as she laughs with hesitance. Encountering the many other female comets headed for the ground she feels the comparison and is uneasy. “It was a contest, then. And she only had a shabby little dress while those other girls were dresses smartly like high-fashion models…” (Buzzati). Finding her place among the others is difficult and she fixates on the idea that somewhere at the end of her journey is a place and a party just for