1A Study Guide for “The Innocents” by Gipi

1.    Explain the story’s theme of innocence as it pertains to the Uncle Gil’s “delinquent” friend.
2.    Do you think Gil has beaten his drug addiction or that he in fact has ever had one?
3.    Describe Gil and Valerio’s encounters with the sadistic anti-terrorist squad. They were in fact innocent and bullied unfairly.
4.    What made Valerio a “different person”? He becomes defensive, paranoid, mentally unstable, violent, the victim of abuse, torture.
5.    What are the story’s different meanings of the word “innocent”? Andrea’s innocence is rooted in naiveté. Then of course the notion of being falsely accused, persecuted, and victimized.
6.    Why is Valerio sentenced to twelve years for attempted murder?
7.    Why is Gil plagued by guilt?
8.    How is Valerio depicted as a sort of ghost when we see his reunion with Gil? Gaunt, emaciated, living off the fumes of his past life. He envies Gil’s opportunities, privileges, and family belonging while he languishes as an outcast.
9.    What is Valerio’s revenge plot regarding the two cops busted for extortion and blackmail?
10.    Does Andrea change by the end of the story? Perhaps he appreciates his privileges and his sense of family belonging as evidenced by the “lie” he will tell his mother about Valerio’s fate.