Italo Calvino’s The Man Who Shouted Teresa is a short story that, on the surface, appears simple and absurd. However, it delves into profound themes like the nature of human communication, conformity, and the quest for meaning in social interactions. It is a brilliant example of how a seemingly simple narrative can convey profound philosophical and social insights. Through his deft use of humour, minimalism, and surrealism, Calvino critiques human behaviour, exploring themes of communication, meaning-making, and collective psychology. The story is part of Calvino’s collection The Watcher and Other Stories and is a hallmark of his unique style that blends humour, philosophy, and sharp social critique.
The story begins with a man who unexpectedly shouts “Teresa” in a public square. His shout, though seemingly random, immediately captures the attention of passers-by. Curiosity compels one person after another to stop and ask the man why he is shouting. The man initially responds cryptically, stating that he is shouting because he wants Teresa to hear him. This response is vague yet intriguing, prompting further inquiries.
As the crowd grows, the interaction becomes increasingly absurd. The man reveals that there is no specific Teresa he is calling out to —he simply shouted the name to see what would happen. This revelation shifts the focus from Teresa to the crowd, emphasising the human tendency to seek meaning in even the most random occurrences. The story concludes with the crowd dispersing, each person pondering the event in their own way.
Calvino uses this brief and surreal narrative to explore how humans respond to stimuli, particularly in group settings. The shouting of Teresa acts as a catalyst for introspection, conversation, and a demonstration of collective behaviour. Through this minimalist plot, Calvino raises questions about individuality, conformity, and the intrinsic human need to assign significance to events.
Themes
The Absurdity of Communication
At its core, the story examines the absurdity and arbitrariness of human communication. The man’s shout lacks any inherent meaning; it is random and unmotivated. Yet, the crowd’s reaction reveals the human tendency to seek meaning even in the meaningless. Calvino suggests that communication is not always about conveying information but can also be a performative act that prompts others to project their own interpretations.
Conformity and Herd Mentality
The crowd’s behaviour reflects the human propensity to conform. One person’s curiosity triggers a chain reaction, leading others to join in without questioning their own motivations. This phenomenon illustrates how collective behaviour often overrides individual reasoning, a critique of societal conformity and the loss of individuality in group dynamics.
The Search for Meaning
The story highlights the intrinsic human need to find meaning in every action or event. Despite the man’s admission that his shout was purposeless, the crowd persists in assigning significance to it. This reflects a universal existential struggle —humans constantly seek purpose and meaning, even in the face of randomness.
Performance and Attention-Seeking
The man’s shout can be seen as a deliberate act of attention-seeking, an exploration of how people react to unexpected stimuli. The crowd’s engagement turns the shout into a social performance, with the man assuming the role of an unwitting provocateur who forces people to confront their own behaviour and assumptions.
Style and Narrative Technique
Calvino’s writing style in The Man Who Shouted Teresa is minimalist and precise, allowing the narrative’s humour and philosophical undertones to shine. The lack of detailed descriptions or character backgrounds creates a sense of universality, making the story a parable that transcends specific contexts.
The story’s structure mirrors its thematic exploration of randomness and order. It begins with an absurd, random act -the shout -and gradually builds into a study of human responses, culminating in a reflective dispersal of the crowd. This narrative arc reinforces the interplay between chaos and meaning-making.
Calvino’s use of dialogue is particularly effective. The exchanges between the man and the crowd are simple yet layered with subtext, showcasing the futility and humour of their attempt to extract meaning from a meaningless act. The dialogue captures the essence of human communication —often repetitive, circular, and driven by assumptions.
Philosophical Undertones
The story aligns with existentialist and absurdist philosophy, particularly the ideas of Albert Camus and Jean-Paul Sartre. The man’s purposeless shout reflects the absurdity of existence, where life is devoid of inherent meaning, but humans persist in their quest to find or create significance. The crowd’s reaction illustrates the tension between individual perception and collective understanding.
Calvino also critiques the nature of social interactions. The crowd’s insistence on finding a rational explanation for the shout highlights humanity’s discomfort with uncertainty. This need for closure and order often leads people to create narratives that may have no basis.
Symbolism
The Shout
The shout symbolises randomness and the disruption of routine. It catalyses introspection and collective behaviour, forcing individuals to confront their assumptions about meaning and purpose.
The Crowd
The crowd represents society at large, reflecting human tendencies toward conformity, curiosity, and the need for shared understanding. Each member’s reaction underscores different aspects of human psychology —some are sceptical, others are intrigued, and a few simply follow the majority.
Teresa
The name Teresa is deliberately left ambiguous, emphasising that the object of the shout is irrelevant. Teresa becomes a placeholder for any idea, event, or belief onto which people project their own meanings and desires.
Tone and Humour
The tone of the story is light-hearted yet thought-provoking. Calvino’s humour, particularly in the interactions between the man and the crowd, adds levity to the narrative while underscoring its deeper themes. The absurdity of the situation serves as both a source of entertainment and a vehicle for philosophical inquiry.
Relevance and Universality
The Man Who Shouted Teresa addresses timeless and universal themes despite its brevity and simplicity. In an age dominated by social media and mass communication, the story’s critique of herd mentality and attention-seeking behaviour is particularly relevant. It encourages readers to reflect on their own tendencies to conform, seek meaning, and participate in collective narratives.
Italo Calvino’s The Man Who Shouted Teresa is a deceptively simple story that offers profound insights into human behaviour and social dynamics. Through its exploration of communication, conformity, and the search for meaning, the story transcends its absurd premise to become a powerful commentary on the human condition. Calvino’s minimalist style, sharp humour, and philosophical depth make this work a timeless masterpiece, inviting readers to reflect on their own interactions with the world and each other.
