Romola · Chapter
Epilogue explained
In the epilogue, set on the evening of May 22, 1509, Romola, now a mature woman, sits with her adopted children Lillo and Ninna, along with Tessa and Monna Brigida, in a room overlooking the Borgo Pinti.
What happens
In the epilogue, set on the evening of May 22, 1509, Romola, now a mature woman, sits with her adopted children Lillo and Ninna, along with Tessa and Monna Brigida, in a room overlooking the Borgo Pinti. Romola reflects on her past, teaching Lillo about the nature of greatness and moral integrity. She contrasts the noble lives of her father and Fra Girolamo with the tragic story of Tito Melema, who, seeking only his own safety and pleasure, committed base deeds and met calamity. The scene underscores Romola's wisdom and the enduring influence of her experiences.
Themes in this chapter
Redemption and Moral Choice
Romola's teachings to Lillo emphasize the importance of choosing noble ends over personal pleasure, and the possibility of moral integrity despite past sorrows.
Love and Selfishness
The contrast between Tito's selfish pursuit of safety and pleasure and the selfless lives of Romola's father and Fra Girolamo illustrates the theme of love versus selfishness.
Characters to notice
- Romola de' Bardi
Now older and serene, Romola imparts moral lessons to Lillo, reflecting on her past and the lives of her father and Fra Girolamo.
- Tito Melema
Referenced in Romola's story as the man who, seeking safety and pleasure, committed base deeds and denied his father, leading to his downfall.
- Tessa
Present in the scene, still wearing her contadina gown and necklace, content and unchanged in her simple nature.
- Lillo
Romola's adopted son, a handsome lad with Tuscan peasant blood, questions his future and listens to Romola's moral teachings.
- Monna Brigida
Asleep in the room, having aged with soft white hair, no longer finding fault with Tessa.
- Piero di Cosimo
Mentioned as approaching with Nello, bringing flowers, despite his criticism of Romola's devotion to Fra Girolamo.
Key passages
“There are so many things wrong and difficult in the world, that no man can be great—he can hardly keep himself from wickedness—unless he gives up thinking much about pleasure or rewards, and gets strength to endure what is hard and painful.”
Given the world's many wrongs and difficulties, achieving greatness requires sacrificing the pursuit of pleasure and rewards, and instead developing the strength to endure hardship.
Romola's advice to Lillo on the nature of true greatness.
“He denied his father, and left him to misery; he betrayed every trust that was reposed in him, that he might keep himself safe and get rich and prosperous. Yet calamity overtook him.”
He abandoned his father to suffering and broke every trust placed in him, all to secure his own safety and wealth, but disaster still found him.
Romola's description of Tito's moral downfall.