: Zampanò's jealousy and violent nature lead him to kill Il Matto, an act that eventually causes Gelsomina’s mental collapse and her eventual death . Symbolism and Themes
Fellini used the three central characters to represent elemental forces:
: They meet Il Matto (The Fool), a gentle tightrope walker played by Richard Basehart, who gives Gelsomina a sense of self-worth by telling her that "even a pebble" has a purpose .
: Symbolizes brutality, physical dominance , and a lack of self-awareness .