In Zofloya, why does the narrator make so much of Laurina’s (Victoria and Leonardo’s mother) extramarital relationship? In other words, how does Laurina’s affair have larger consequences than simply a broken marriage?

In Zofloya Volume 1, the narrator makes it very clear that adultery more than just Laurina's marriage throughout the novel. Before the whole affair, Victoria was described as an "innocent," "virtuous," and overall polished young woman. She wasn't perfect but she was respected within her society. As the affair emerges throughout the book, you see Victoria's image take a drastic turn. You see her take part in her own personal affair, like her mother. She also becomes violent, manipulative, and acts upon her passion which woman are not "supposed" to act upon.

Her brother Leonardo takes part in some spontaneous behavior as well. He disappears from Venis after the affair, leaving his father starting own affairs. Ultimately, Laurina's actions have deeply impacted and greatly shaped her children's decisions. The two of them have actually taken after her and followed in their mothers footsteps. Also in the process, her husband was killed. So obviously, Laurina's external affair not only caused a broken marriage, but a broken family.

Another impact of the relationship was a shift in the social order. Their family was greatly respected within their community and held quite the status within the town. This scandal stirred up the norm and started drama in the town, ultimately shaming their images. I'm sure some of the reason for all of them "fleeing," the town