XII: Carmagnola's Duty explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Deception and Identity

  The forged letter and Spigno's double role highlight the theme of deception and mistaken identity.

• Loyalty and Betrayal

  Spigno's betrayal, Ugolino's defection, and Valeria's shifting trust underscore the theme.

• Ambition and Power

  Carmagnola's ambition and pride are challenged, and the power dynamics among the captains shift.

Characters to notice

• Francesco Busone da Carmagnola

  Struggles to write a letter; defends his judgment against Barbaresco; devastated by Valeria's loss of trust.

• Valeria of Montferrat

  Learns of Spigno's treachery; questions the messenger; begins to trust Bellarion again.

• Theodore of Montferrat

  Implied as the orchestrator of the plot against Bellarion.

• Messer Barbaresco

  Arrives with Casella; reveals Spigno was a spy; argues with Carmagnola.

• Casella

  Arrives with Barbaresco; confirms Spigno's guilt.

• Ugolino da Tenda

  Defects from Carmagnola's army after questioning his competence.

• Bellarion

  Mentioned as the wrongfully accused agent; his plan to raise the siege is discussed.

• Filippo Maria Visconti

  Mentioned as the duke who ordered Carmagnola to assist in reducing Vercelli.

Key passages

• “A heavy labour this of quill on parchment for one who had little scholarship.”

  Writing was a difficult task for Carmagnola, who was not well-educated.

  Highlights Carmagnola's lack of formal education.

• “He killed him because this Spigno whom we all trusted so completely was a spy of Theodore's.”

  Bellarion killed Spigno because Spigno was secretly working for Theodore.

  Barbaresco reveals the truth about Spigno's death.

• “Are you still unshaken in your confidence in your wits? Do you still think that you can trust them?”

  Valeria questions Carmagnola's judgment, undermining his self-assurance.

  Valeria's words devastate Carmagnola's pride.