# II: Breakfast for Love explained — Romola

> Chapter companion for Romola by George Eliot.

## What happens

In this chapter, the young stranger, Tito Melema, finds himself hungry and without money in the marketplace of Florence. He encounters Tessa, a young girl selling milk and bread, and charms her into giving him breakfast. Their interaction is interrupted by Tessa's mother, Monna Ghita, who scolds both Tito and Tessa. Bratti and Nello, the barber, observe the scene, with Nello identifying Tito as a Greek. The chapter ends with Tito leaving with Nello, while Tessa casts a timid glance at him.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Selfishness

Tito's charming and self-serving interaction with Tessa highlights his selfishness, as he uses his charm to get what he wants without regard for the consequences.

### Female Agency and Marriage

Tessa's submissive role and her mother's protective but harsh behavior reflect the limited agency of women in this society, where they are expected to obey and be wary of strangers.

## Character check-ins

### Tito Melema

A young stranger, hungry and without money, who charms Tessa into giving him breakfast. He is identified as a Greek by Nello.

### Tessa

A young girl selling milk and bread, who is charmed by Tito and gives him breakfast, despite her mother's disapproval.

### Monna Ghita

Tessa's mother, who scolds Tito for his forwardness and Tessa for giving away goods.

### Bratti Ferravecchi

A cautious vendor who had earlier found Tito with a valuable ring and is suspicious of him.

### Nello

The barber, who identifies Tito as a Greek and jokes about the situation.

## Key lines

> Not an obolus, by Jupiter!

I don't have a single coin left.

_Tito realizes he has no money to buy breakfast._

> I must get my breakfast for love, then!

I'll have to charm someone into giving me food.

_Tito decides to rely on his charm to get a meal._

> Forgive me, pretty one, for awaking you. I’m dying with hunger, and the scent of milk makes breakfast seem more desirable than ever.

Sorry for waking you, but I'm starving and the milk smells wonderful.

_Tito politely asks Tessa for milk, using flattery._

> But perhaps that is your own breakfast.

Isn't that bread meant for you?

_Tito shows a moment of consideration for Tessa's own needs._

> Ah, then, if I must take the bread, I shall get bolder still, and beg for another kiss to make the bread sweeter.

Since you insist, I'll take the bread, but I'll also ask for a kiss to make it taste better.

_Tito becomes more forward, asking for a kiss as a token of gratitude._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/romola_se/chapters/ii-breakfast-for-love
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/romola_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/romola_se/chapters