After the Divorce · Chapter
Chapter X explained
Giovanna and Aunt Bachissia return from Nuoro, bringing gifts and news.
What happens
Giovanna and Aunt Bachissia return from Nuoro, bringing gifts and news. Brontu's passionate attention unsettles Giovanna, who discovers a letter from Costantino pleading with her not to remarry. Meanwhile, Giacobbe Dejas and Isidoro Pane debate the possibility of a miracle to prevent the marriage.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Betrayal
Giovanna's lingering feelings for Costantino conflict with her impending marriage to Brontu; the secret letter and Brontu's embrace highlight emotional betrayal.
Religion and Morality
Giovanna rationalizes her actions to save her soul, while Costantino's letter and Aunt Porredda's words invoke 'eternity' and mortal sin.
Suffering and Resilience
Giovanna's inner turmoil and the cold journey reflect her endurance; Isidoro's quiet faith contrasts with Giacobbe's rage.
Characters to notice
- Giovanna Era
Returns from Nuoro with mixed emotions; finds Costantino's letter and is moved by memories; Brontu embraces her as she hides the letter.
- Aunt Bachissia
Travels with Giovanna, keeps silent about the Porrus' discussion and purchases, and tries to lighten the mood with Aunt Martina.
- Brontu Dejas
Sits talking quietly, gazing passionately at Giovanna; follows her to the adjoining room and embraces her.
- Aunt Martina Dejas
Eagerly awaits her gift from Nuoro; scandalized when Brontu follows Giovanna.
- Giacobbe Dejas
Visits Isidoro Pane, angrily dismisses the idea of a miracle and threatens to choke Bachissia Era.
- Isidoro Pane
Calmly suggests trusting in God for a miracle; likely slipped Costantino's letter under Giovanna's door.
Key passages
“I have not a bad heart. And God looks into our hearts and judges more by our intentions than by our actions.”
Giovanna convinces herself that her heart is good and that God weighs intentions over deeds.
Giovanna's self-justification before falling asleep.
“If you have no pity for me, at least have some for yourself, for your own soul. Remember the mortal sin: remember eternity!”
Costantino begs Giovanna to reconsider, warning her of sin and eternal consequences.
Costantino's letter echoes Aunt Porredda's earlier warning.
“The real murderer of Basilio Ledda might die now, for instance, and confess. In that case the divorce could not hold good.”
Isidoro suggests that if the true killer dies and confesses, the divorce might be invalidated.
Isidoro's hopeful faith in a miracle to stop the marriage.