Romola · Chapter
A Prophetess explained
During Carnival and the following Lent, Romola becomes deeply involved in the political and religious turmoil of Florence.
What happens
During Carnival and the following Lent, Romola becomes deeply involved in the political and religious turmoil of Florence. Bernardo del Nero is elected Gonfaloniere, and Savonarola preaches his final Lenten sermons, defying excommunication. Romola is inspired by his fervor but also troubled by his increasing reliance on visions and prophecies. Her internal conflict intensifies when she encounters Camilla Rucellai, a prophetess who claims divine sanction for violent acts against Bernardo del Nero. Romola rejects Camilla's fanaticism and seeks solace in a church, where she grapples with her loyalty to her godfather and her commitment to Savonarola's cause. The chapter ends with her face-to-face meeting with Baldassarre, who has been seeking revenge against Tito.
Themes in this chapter
Political and Religious Corruption
The chapter highlights the corruption within the Church and the state, as Savonarola denounces it, while also showing the questionable use of religious visions for political ends.
Female Agency and Marriage
Romola's active role in charitable work and her moral independence contrast with the fanaticism of Camilla, illustrating different forms of female agency in a patriarchal society.
Redemption and Moral Choice
Romola faces a moral crisis, torn between her loyalty to her godfather and her commitment to Savonarola's cause, reflecting the struggle for right action in a complex world.
Characters to notice
- Romola de' Bardi
Romola is deeply engaged in charitable work and is spiritually and politically conflicted, torn between her admiration for Savonarola and her loyalty to her godfather Bernardo del Nero.
- Girolamo Savonarola
Savonarola preaches his final Lenten sermons, defying excommunication and proclaiming a coming renovation, while also facing increasing hostility and relying more on visions.
- Bernardo del Nero
Elected Gonfaloniere, Bernardo is the focus of Romola's affection and concern, as she fears he may be involved in a Medici plot.
- Camilla Rucellai
Camilla appears as a prophetess who claims divine visions, including one ordering the murder of Bernardo del Nero, which Romola angrily rejects.
- Baldassarre Calvo
Baldassarre appears at the end of the chapter, confronting Romola in the church, likely seeking information about Tito.
- Tito Melema
Tito is mentioned indirectly through Romola's dread and Baldassarre's presence, hinting at his ongoing betrayal and the looming conflict.
Key passages
“Every morning the dim daybreak as it peered into her room seemed to be that haunting fear coming back to her.”
Each morning, the faint light of dawn brought back the same persistent fear to Romola.
This illustrates Romola's constant anxiety about the political situation and her godfather's safety.
“In the Duomo she felt herself sharing in a passionate conflict which had wider relations than any enclosed within the walls of Florence.”
In the cathedral, Romola felt part of a larger struggle that transcended the city's boundaries.
Shows how Savonarola's sermons connected local politics to a broader spiritual battle.
“The position was one which must have had its impressiveness for all minds that were not of the dullest order, even if they were inclined, as Macchiavelli was, to interpret the Frate’s character by a key that presupposed no loftiness.”
Even skeptics like Machiavelli, who saw no noble motives in the friar, would have been impressed by his stance.
Highlights the powerful effect of Savonarola's defiance on all observers.
“Romola was in the hard press of human difficulties, and that rocky solitude was too far off.”
Romola was overwhelmed by real-world problems, and the peaceful isolation of the painting seemed unattainable.
Reflects her inability to find solace in art or religion during her crisis.
“God grant you are mad! else you are detestably wicked!”
I hope you are insane, because otherwise you are horribly evil.
Romola's angry rejection of Camilla's prophetic claims.
