The shadowy presence of Italy behind this narrative has not been explained. It may
reflect discussions about moving there that Mary and Percy Shelley were having while
she was writing the novel: shortly after its publication they did, indeed, emigrate
to Italy. On a less personal note, however, the presence of Italy does extend the
geographical bounds of the pan-European setting to the south, just as the opening
in Russia extends them far to the north. Safie, it should be noted, also travels north
from Italy (Leghorn-Livorno), to the De Lacey's cottage in Germany, but without male
protection (II:6:19).