The Queer Side of Naples. Exploring Queer Forms of Attachment in Elena Ferrante’s My Brilliant Friend

Elena and Lila share a bond so profound that, no matter what conflicts arise between them, their relationship remains a sanctuary, a place of comfort, belonging, and unwavering connection. They are inseparably intertwined, each shaping and reflecting the other in a way that completes them. Their essence is inextricably linked, as if they can only truly be understood and expressed through one another. Although Elena Ferrante doesn’t explicitly portray a lesbian relationship or delve into soft-core lesbian eroticism, Jill Richards (2019) argues that the Neapolitan cycle consistently hints at the possibility of a queer counternarrative. The novels suggest a connection that transcends conventional labels such as friendship, sexual relationships, or any heteronormative bond. Elena Ferrante opens the doors to a broader exploration of what could exist between them, transcending the confines of heteronormative conventions, both in society and within the expectations of readership. Building on Berlant’s (2011) concept that there are forms of attachment that extend far beyond platonic friendship and romantic love, this analysis will explore the queer subtexts of key moments between Elena and Lila both in the novels and the series adaptation. I will show how intimacy emerges in subtle ways and transcends the simple framework of friendship and heteronormativity. This analysis will expand on attachments that go beyond traditional categorisations, revealing complexities that hint at alternative queer possibilities.