Romola · Chapter
Book III explained
Book III opens with Tito Melema awakening in Florence, reflecting on his past and his new life.
What happens
Book III opens with Tito Melema awakening in Florence, reflecting on his past and his new life. He is confronted by Baldassarre, who has followed him and demands recognition. Tito denies knowing him, and Baldassarre is taken away. Tito then goes to the Duomo, where he sees Baldassarre again, who is now being cared for by Romola. Tito, feeling threatened, decides to sell the ring that belonged to Baldassarre to avoid being connected to him. He also becomes more involved in the political intrigues of Florence, aligning himself with the Medici faction. Meanwhile, Romola, who has been tending to Baldassarre, learns of Tito's betrayal and is devastated. The chapter ends with Romola discovering Tito's secret wife, Tessa, and their children, leading her to attempt to flee Florence.
Themes in this chapter
Betrayal and Deception
Tito's denial of Baldassarre and his secret marriage to Tessa are central acts of betrayal and deception that drive the plot and affect multiple characters.
Female Agency and Marriage
Romola's discovery of Tito's secret family and her subsequent decision to flee highlight the limited agency of women in marriage and their struggle for autonomy.
Characters to notice
- Tito Melema
Tito is awakened by his troubled conscience and is confronted by Baldassarre. He denies knowing him and later decides to sell the ring to sever his ties with his past. He also becomes more involved in Florentine politics, aligning with the Medici faction.
- Baldassarre Calvo
Baldassarre confronts Tito, demanding recognition, but is denied and taken away. He is later found and cared for by Romola, who learns of Tito's betrayal through him.
- Romola de' Bardi
Romola tends to Baldassarre and learns of Tito's betrayal. She is devastated and later discovers Tito's secret wife, Tessa, and their children, which leads her to attempt to flee Florence.
- Tessa
Tessa is revealed to be Tito's secret wife, and she has children with him. Her existence is discovered by Romola, which becomes a catalyst for Romola's decision to leave.
Key passages
“Tito was awakened by the sound of the door opening, and saw Baldassarre standing before him.”
Tito was roused from sleep by the door opening and found Baldassarre in his room.
This marks the beginning of the confrontation between Tito and Baldassarre.
“He felt that he must get rid of the ring, which was a constant reminder of his past and a danger to his present safety.”
Tito believed he had to sell the ring, as it was a dangerous reminder of his past that could threaten his current security.
Tito's decision to sell the ring is a key action to sever his ties with Baldassarre.
“Romola's heart was torn with pity and indignation as she listened to Baldassarre's story.”
Romola felt deep pity and anger while listening to Baldassarre's account.
This shows Romola's emotional reaction to learning about Tito's betrayal.