After the Divorce · Chapter
II explained
The chapter opens on the morning of Costantino's sentencing.
What happens
The chapter opens on the morning of Costantino's sentencing. Giovanna awakens with dread, and she and Aunt Bachissia bring him food at the prison. In the courtroom, the defense lawyer speaks, but Costantino interrupts to declare his innocence. The jury returns a sentence of twenty-seven years for the murder of his uncle. Giovanna, overwhelmed, shrieks and is dragged out by Aunt Bachissia. After the verdict, she briefly speaks with Costantino before he is taken away. Later, at Aunt Porredda's house, the family tries to maintain normalcy amid the tragedy, and Giovanna plans to return with her son.
Themes in this chapter
Injustice and Fate
Costantino's declaration of innocence contrasts with the jury's guilty verdict and harsh sentence, highlighting a sense of predetermined tragedy and judicial indifference.
Suffering and Resilience
Giovanna's emotional breakdown and subsequent forced composure, along with Aunt Bachissia's scolding and the family's attempt at normalcy, illustrate the struggle to endure profound grief.
Isolation and Longing
Giovanna's desperate wish for Paolo's presence in court and her fixation on Costantino's face reflect her deep sense of separation and yearning for connection amid the trial.
Characters to notice
- Giovanna Era
Awakens in anguish on the day of the verdict, brings food to Costantino, breaks down in court upon hearing the sentence, and later speaks with him before he is taken away.
- Aunt Bachissia
Accompanies Giovanna to the prison and court, scolds her for her outburst, and tries to maintain composure.
- Costantino Ledda
The prisoner on trial; he declares his innocence in court, receives a 27-year sentence, and appears aged and broken when brought out.
- Paolo Porru
The student who arrives with two priests after the argument, calms Giovanna, and promises to see the lawyer about the appeal.
- Aunt Porredda
Hosts the family after the verdict, attempts to comfort them and talk of ordinary matters, and offers her home as their own.
- Grazia
Present at Aunt Porredda's house during the meal, falling asleep over her dinner.
Key passages
“A sentence of twenty-seven years’ imprisonment “for the homicide who, after long premeditation, had at last committed the crime upon the person of his guardian and own uncle by blood!””
The judge sentenced Costantino to 27 years for the premeditated murder of his uncle and guardian.
The formal charge and sentence are read aloud in court.
“Giovanna had so entirely prepared her mind to expect thirty years, that for the first moment twenty-seven seemed a respite, but it was only for a moment; then, swiftly realising that in thirty years three count for nothing, she had to bite her lips violently to keep back the shriek that rose to them.”
Giovanna had braced for a 30-year sentence, so 27 initially felt like a relief, but she quickly realized the difference was meaningless and barely suppressed a scream.
Giovanna's emotional reaction to the sentence length.
““But I am innocent! I tell you I am innocent!””
Costantino shouted that he was innocent, contradicting the lawyer's defense.
Costantino's outburst in court after the lawyer's closing argument.