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jumillin · 6 years ago

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The relationship that Italy and France bear is subtle, but it’s nonetheless there. What this post will explore is the reason why Italy holds France with such fondness.

Additionally, because they grew up together, France is one of the select few nations who know how secretly vulnerable and insecure Italy is, regardless of the cheerful front that the latter puts up to hide this from others.

Childhood:

The two of them both grew up in Rome’s household. It’s for this reason that Italy refers to France as “big brother” or “onii-chan.” Again, it’s important to remember that in this context, the title is an expression of affection or adoration.

There was a latent period in which Italy had no contact with Holy Rome and France.

When he does meet them again, Rome had just passed away.

Although France protected Italy from being bullied by Holy Rome, he himself also bullied Italy and later joins the campaign to conquer the weakened Italian Peninsula.

After falling under Austria’s rule, Italy didn’t get to see France for a long time.

He’s still under Austria’s rule and lacks independence here, but he’s aged considerably since the last time they had last seen each other.

Of course, France has one of two reactions.

One, excitement to see Italy.

Two, an eagerness to make Italy French territory.

Still, having lived with Italy for a considerable time, France is fully aware of how fragile Italy is.

While this is a deleted strip and should not be taken as canon, the fact that Hima once depicted France to brave it out and break the news of Holy Rome’s dissolution to Italy, not to mention the conflicted look on his face, proves that he cares about Italy’s emotional welfare above his own.

I say this because it was France who caused Holy Rome’s dissolution. Just imagine the shame and pain he would have had to go through in confessing this to Italy, who loved Holy Rome. France was a role model for Italy and to have that image destroyed by the death of the loved one could have put their entire relationship on the line.

Non-canon material aside, Italy’s canonically noted to be one not to hold grudges.

Let’s explore how this carries into his adulthood.

World War 2 Relations:

I’ve said this before, but it’s important to recognize that while the nations’ interactions are influenced by their present political relations, that doesn’t in whole affect their personal lives.

As people in their own right, the nations’ opinions of each other is predicated more on the past. Put another way, they have a personal history together aside from politics.

This would explain why Italy refers to France as onii-chan both in his childhood as he was being conquered by the latter and later in the world wars.

Ex: Both find themselves shipwrecked on Seychelles during WW2. While France is skeptical at first, the two agree not to pick a fight with each other and to drop the political personas that would have designated them as enemies.

Ex: When engaging in a gossiping smear campaign against the Axis, France stops short and claims that Italy isn’t that bad of a person.

England still implants false ideas into Italy’s head anyway, claiming that Germany hates him.

The reason that I believe that France is so hesitant to attack Italy with words is because he knows how sensitive he is. It was incredibly perceptive and considerate on his part.

Ex: Right after being told this by England, Italy clarifies with Germany if he really does hate him. Of course, he doesn’t.

The insecurity stems from the fact that Italy needs reassurance and does not hold a confident opinion of himself. He believes England when he’s told that he’s useless.

This isn’t the first that we’ve seen of Italy’s insecurity over his friendship with Germany.

Ex: He worries that he’ll be left behind when Germany forms an alliance with Russia. He himself fears that he’s useless, weak, and troublesome to his allies and has a nightmare about this.

That’s a tying theme of Italy’s characterization. He experiences constant anxiety over the fact that he’s a hetare – a useless and weak individual. You can see why France was so opposed to doing anything that would influence Italy’s already poor opinion of himself.

The closeness of their relationship further comes to light when we learn that France is the first person Italy calls to voice his concerns over Germany not liking him.

Italy trusts France so much that he takes his first sarcastic piece of advice to heart – he did call in the middle of the night, after all.

France later gives real advice after Italy calls him again.

The Present:

The two still get along really well, although the hints of this relationship remain to be subtle in nature.

Ex: When France attempts to get closer with Germany, he cites that Spain and Italy – his other close friends –don’t care for aesthetics. What’s important here is that France appears to consider Italy as a close friend.

Ex: He comes to Italy’s aid when Romano refuses to cooperate with him.

In sum, France and Italy’s relationship, while not made to be obvious, remains strong.

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