After the Divorce · Chapter
XI explained
On the vigil of the Assumption, a pregnant Giovanna works as a servant in Brontu's household, enduring Aunt Martina's strict control and her own deep unhappiness.
What happens
On the vigil of the Assumption, a pregnant Giovanna works as a servant in Brontu's household, enduring Aunt Martina's strict control and her own deep unhappiness. She longs for her former life with Costantino, feels trapped in a loveless marriage, and confides her misery to Aunt Bachissia, who urges patience.
Themes in this chapter
Suffering and Resilience
Giovanna endures physical and emotional hardship, working barefoot and hungry while pregnant, yet continues to endure and voice her pain.
Isolation and Longing
Giovanna is isolated in Brontu's home, longing for Costantino and the life she lost, with no comfort or companionship.
Gender and Power
Giovanna is powerless under Aunt Martina's authority and Brontu's control, reduced to a servant despite being the wife.
Characters to notice
- Giovanna Era
Pregnant and miserable, Giovanna works as a servant in Brontu's house, longing for Costantino and resenting her confinement.
- Aunt Bachissia
Giovanna's mother, who listens to her complaints and advises patience, while worrying about her own debt to Anna Dejas.
- Aunt Martina Dejas
Brontu's mother, who controls the household, hoards money, and treats Giovanna like a servant.
- Brontu Dejas
Giovanna's husband, who is often drunk and angry, making her life unbearable.
- Costantino Ledda
Giovanna's former husband, whom she idealizes in her memories and dreams of returning.
- Giacobbe Dejas
Mentioned as having declared that Costantino would kill Giovanna if he returned.
Key passages
“Giovanna did nothing but brood over memories of Costantino; how good he had been, how handsome, and clean, and gentle. A deep melancholy possessed her, far more bitter than any sorrow one feels for the dead; while her approaching maternity, instead of bringing consolation, the rather increased her despair.”
Giovanna constantly dwells on her memories of Costantino, idealizing his kindness and cleanliness, and her pregnancy deepens her despair rather than offering comfort.
Highlights Giovanna's longing and the irony that her pregnancy with Brontu's child intensifies her grief for Costantino.
“I am not allowed a drop of anything to refresh me, or to slake this burning thirst inside me!”
Giovanna complains that she is denied even a small drink to quench her intense thirst.
Illustrates the deprivation and control she suffers under Aunt Martina.
“She has honey on her lips and a goad in her hand. 'Work, work, work.' She drives me like a beast of burden, and gives me barley-bread, and water, and no light at night, and bare feet.”
Giovanna describes Aunt Martina as sweet-talking but cruel, forcing her to work relentlessly with minimal food, water, and comfort.
Captures the theme of exploitation and the harshness of Giovanna's daily life.