After the Divorce · Chapter
Epilogue explained
Costantino continues to visit Aunt Bachissia's cottage, where he relives his past happiness with Giovanna.
What happens
Costantino continues to visit Aunt Bachissia's cottage, where he relives his past happiness with Giovanna. Aunt Martina, suspicious of their renewed relationship, confronts Uncle Isidoro and pleads with him to intervene, fearing that the affair will bring ruin upon her household. Costantino, torn between his longing for Giovanna and his hatred for the Dejas family, ultimately stops visiting the cottage, while tensions escalate as autumn sets in.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Betrayal
Costantino and Giovanna's secret affair continues despite her marriage to Brontu, highlighting the betrayal of marital vows and the enduring pull of past love.
Suffering and Resilience
Costantino endures emotional torment, haunted by memories of his dead child and his lost wife, while Aunt Martina suffers from anxiety and fear for her son's future.
Social Class and Community
The conflict between the Dejas family and the Eras underscores class tensions, with Aunt Bachissia's avarice and the Dejas' pride driving the tragic events.
Characters to notice
- Costantino Ledda
Visits Aunt Bachissia's cottage to relive past memories; becomes angry and anxious upon learning that Aunt Martina suspects his affair with Giovanna; struggles with hatred and longing.
- Aunt Bachissia
Suspicious of the affair but does not interfere; warns Costantino to be cautious after Aunt Martina's discovery; continues to abuse the Dejas family.
- Aunt Martina Dejas
Spies on Giovanna and Costantino; confronts Uncle Isidoro, expressing her fear and rage; pleads for help to stop the affair, fearing ruin for Brontu.
- Isidoro Pane
Hosts Costantino; receives a visit from Aunt Martina, who asks him to intervene in the affair; feels pity for her distress.
- Giovanna Era
Warns Costantino through Aunt Bachissia to be prudent; is watched by Aunt Martina; continues the secret relationship.
Key passages
“Are you afraid that I will murder some one? he asked, divining the old man’s nervous terrors. No, no; there is no need to feel alarmed now; matters are going too much to my taste just at present for me to do anything to disturb the current.”
Costantino reassures Uncle Isidoro that he has no intention of committing violence, sarcastically noting that things are going well enough for him not to cause trouble.
Costantino's bitter irony reveals his inner turmoil and his awareness of the precarious situation.
“I will do my very best, he said. Now go, and try not to worry. You had better get off at once, though; it is time for him to be coming back.”
Uncle Isidoro agrees to help Aunt Martina and urges her to leave quickly before Costantino returns.
Isidoro reluctantly becomes a mediator, caught between the feuding families.
“It seemed as though that chill, autumn wind that shook and lashed and tore her, were tearing and lashing her spirit as well.”
The harsh autumn wind mirrors Aunt Martina's inner turmoil and despair.
The natural imagery emphasizes her emotional suffering and foreboding.