Elena is born into a sea of disdain. For her father, raising children is a woman's job, and showing affection would be beneath his dignity. Her brother Nello deeply despises her, simply because she is a girl, and she hates him for it with all her heart. For her mother, her husband's word is law, and she doesn't even try to protect the children or give them the love they need. The only thing she manages to enforce is that her daughter can study piano; this is tolerated with profound contempt by both father and brother. Growing up in such an environment cannot end well. Neither child manages to break free from the oppressive atmosphere of their childhood and transition into an independent life with relationships and connections outside the family. Only when Elena, as a mature woman, remains the sole survivor can she reconcile with her father and brother, and the rest of her life lies before her as a narrow bright strip.