After the Divorce · Chapter
XVI explained
After Costantino's return to Orlei, he is overwhelmed by visitors who offer sympathy and hospitality, but he remains bitter and restless.
What happens
After Costantino's return to Orlei, he is overwhelmed by visitors who offer sympathy and hospitality, but he remains bitter and restless. He learns of Giovanna's unhappy marriage to Brontu and prowls near her house at night. Despite planning to leave, he stays, spending his savings on food and drink, and feigns indifference while secretly tormented by his past.
Themes in this chapter
Suffering and Resilience
Costantino endures emotional torment from his past and the sight of Giovanna, yet he outwardly feigns indifference and plans a new life.
Isolation and Longing
Despite being surrounded by visitors, Costantino feels isolated and longs to leave Orlei, while secretly yearning for Giovanna.
Injustice and Fate
Costantino reflects on his wrongful imprisonment and betrayal, and the villagers' hypocrisy contrasts with their earlier treatment of him.
Characters to notice
- Costantino Ledda
Returns to Orlei, receives visitors, struggles with bitterness and homesickness, prowls near Giovanna's house, and feigns indifference while planning to leave.
- Isidoro Pane
Hosts Costantino, scolds him like a child, tries to comfort him, and worries about his emotional state.
- Giovanna Era
Mentioned as being mistreated in her marriage to Brontu; Costantino sees her at night and hears of her suffering.
- Brontu Dejas
Heard laughing with Giovanna; his marriage to her is described as abusive, treating her like a slave.
- Doctor Puddu
Visits Costantino, rants about Giacobbe Dejas, and advises a purgative while urging violent revenge.
- Priest Elias
Visits Isidoro and advises that Costantino should leave Orlei for his own good.
Key passages
“Why on earth should they be sorry for me?”
Costantino is annoyed by the pity of visitors and questions why they sympathize with him.
Reveals his bitterness and discomfort with being an object of pity.
“He still cares for her, poor boy; and if he stays here he will just suffer the way San Lorenzo did on his gridiron.”
Isidoro realizes that Costantino's desire to leave stems from his lingering love for Giovanna, which causes him ongoing pain.
Highlights Isidoro's insight into Costantino's emotional struggle.
“It gave him a cruel pleasure to hear of Giovanna's misery, such pleasure as a child will sometimes feel at seeing an unpopular playmate receive a whipping.”
Costantino takes a spiteful satisfaction in learning that Giovanna is unhappy in her marriage.
Illustrates his conflicted feelings of love and revenge.