Romola · Chapter
The Barber's Shop explained
Tito Melema, a young Greek scholar, arrives in Florence with Nello the barber, who offers to help him navigate the city's intellectual circles.
What happens
Tito Melema, a young Greek scholar, arrives in Florence with Nello the barber, who offers to help him navigate the city's intellectual circles. Nello advises Tito on appearance and introduces him to potential patrons, including Bartolommeo Scala and the blind scholar Bardo de' Bardi, whose beautiful daughter Romola is mentioned. Tito reveals his Greek heritage and his recent misfortune, while Nello discusses the political climate following Lorenzo de' Medici's death.
Themes in this chapter
Knowledge and Erudition
The chapter highlights the value placed on learning and scholarship in Florence, with Nello acting as a gatekeeper to the city's intellectual circles and discussing potential patrons for Tito's scholarly pursuits.
Political and Religious Corruption
The death of Lorenzo de' Medici is presented as a political upheaval, with Nello's comments about the lions of the Republic devouring one another hinting at the power struggles and corruption that follow.
Characters to notice
- Tito Melema
A young Greek scholar newly arrived in Florence, seeking patronage and opportunity. He is witty, adaptable, and somewhat cynical about the city's charms.
- Nello
The loquacious barber of Florence, who acts as a guide and advisor to Tito. He is proud of his city and its intellectual scene, and he is eager to help Tito find his footing.
- Bardo de' Bardi
A blind scholar and collector, mentioned as a potential patron for Tito. He is described as having a beautiful daughter, Romola, and as being too poor to buy Tito's gems.
- Romola de' Bardi
Daughter of Bardo de' Bardi, described as fair as the Florentine lily. She is mentioned as a possible attraction for Tito, though she does not appear in this chapter.
- Bartolommeo Scala
The secretary of the Republic, a man of wealth and influence with scholarly tastes. Nello suggests him as a potential buyer for Tito's gems.
Key passages
“At Rome, you will be lost in a crowd of hungry scholars; but at Florence, every corner is penetrated by the sunshine of Lorenzo’s patronage: Florence is the best market in Italy for such commodities as yours.”
Rome is too competitive for a scholar, but Florence, under Lorenzo's patronage, offers better opportunities.
Tito recounts the advice he received from an Augustinian monk, which led him to Florence.
“Because he was a large melon, every other Florentine is not a pumpkin, I suppose.”
Just because Lorenzo was great doesn't mean other Florentines are insignificant.
Nello defends Florence's intellectual scene beyond Lorenzo's influence.
“I am quivering with the inspiration of my art even to the very edge of my razor.”
I am eager to practice my barbering skills on you.
Nello expresses his enthusiasm for shaving Tito's beard.