Romola · Chapter
Book II explained
Book II opens with Tito Melema enjoying his newfound acceptance in Florentine society, particularly among the intellectual circle of Bardo de' Bardi.
What happens
Book II opens with Tito Melema enjoying his newfound acceptance in Florentine society, particularly among the intellectual circle of Bardo de' Bardi. He is presented to Bardo, who is impressed by his learning and charm. Tito becomes a regular visitor to the Bardi household, where he meets Romola, Bardo's daughter, and begins to court her. Meanwhile, Tito's past threatens to catch up with him. Baldassarre, his adoptive father, has arrived in Florence and recognizes Tito in the Duomo, but Tito denies knowing him. Tito also sells a ring that Baldassarre had given him, a symbol of their bond, to a jeweler. The chapter also introduces Tessa, a simple country girl whom Tito has secretly married in a mock ceremony, and her children. Romola, unaware of Tito's deception, becomes increasingly drawn to him, while her own sense of duty to her blind father and her intellectual pursuits create inner conflict. The political landscape of Florence is also shifting, with the Medici faction gaining power and the influence of Savonarola growing, setting the stage for the conflicts to come.
Themes in this chapter
Betrayal and Deception
Tito's betrayal of Baldassarre is a central act of deception. He denies knowing his adoptive father and sells the ring that symbolizes their bond, choosing his own advancement over loyalty and gratitude.
Female Agency and Marriage
Romola's situation highlights the limited agency of women in Renaissance Florence. She is expected to marry and serve her father, and her intellectual pursuits are secondary to her domestic duties. Tessa's secret marriage to Tito further illustrates the vulnerability of women in a patriarchal society.
Characters to notice
- Tito Melema
Tito is charming and ambitious, enjoying his rise in Florentine society. He is secretly married to Tessa and has betrayed Baldassarre, his adoptive father, by denying him and selling his ring.
- Romola de' Bardi
Romola is intelligent and dutiful, devoted to her blind father Bardo. She is drawn to Tito's charm but is unaware of his deception and the moral compromises he has made.
- Baldassarre Calvo
Baldassarre has arrived in Florence and recognizes Tito in the Duomo, but Tito denies knowing him. He is a figure from Tito's past, representing the betrayal that Tito is trying to escape.
- Tessa
Tessa is a simple country girl who has been secretly married to Tito in a mock ceremony. She is unaware of the deception and represents the consequences of Tito's selfish actions.
- Bardo de' Bardi
Bardo is a blind scholar who is impressed by Tito's learning and welcomes him into his home. He is a symbol of the old Florentine intellectual world, which is being challenged by new political and religious forces.
Key passages
“Tito Melema was not likely to be an exception to the rule that men are judged by their appearance.”
Tito's good looks and charming demeanor led others to assume he was a good person.
This highlights the theme of deception, as Tito's appearance masks his true character.
“He had a sort of genius for adapting himself to the mood of the moment.”
Tito was skilled at saying and doing whatever was most advantageous in any given situation.
This emphasizes Tito's manipulative nature and his ability to deceive others.
“The ring was a sign of a bond that had been broken.”
Selling the ring symbolized Tito's rejection of his past and his duty to Baldassarre.
This is a key moment of betrayal, as the ring represents the sacred bond between Tito and his adoptive father.