Romola · Chapter
On San Miniato explained
Romola, followed by Baldassarre, agrees to speak with him on the hill of San Miniato.
What happens
Romola, followed by Baldassarre, agrees to speak with him on the hill of San Miniato. Baldassarre reveals that he is Tito's adoptive father, whom Tito betrayed and abandoned. He tells Romola of Tito's lies, his theft, and his denial of him, and he seeks her help in taking revenge. Romola is deeply shaken, torn between pity for Baldassarre and horror at Tito's treachery. Baldassarre insists on vengeance, showing her a knife and demanding she help him kill Tito. Romola, though sympathetic, is paralyzed by conflicting emotions and agrees to meet him again the next day, hoping to find another way to help him.
Themes in this chapter
Betrayal and Deception
Baldassarre reveals Tito's deep betrayal—abandoning his adoptive father, denying him, and living a lie. Romola is confronted with the full extent of Tito's deceit.
Redemption and Moral Choice
Romola faces a moral dilemma: she sympathizes with Baldassarre's suffering but recoils from his demand for violent revenge. Her choice will define her character.
Characters to notice
- Romola de' Bardi
Romola confronts Baldassarre and learns the truth about Tito's betrayal. She is deeply affected, feeling pity and horror, and agrees to meet him again.
- Baldassarre Calvo
Baldassarre reveals his identity as Tito's adoptive father and seeks Romola's help in exacting revenge. He is consumed by his desire for vengeance.
- Tito Melema
Though not present, Tito's betrayal is the central subject of the conversation, with Baldassarre detailing his lies and abandonment.
Key passages
“Ah! you would have been my daughter!”
Baldassarre expresses that Romola would have been like a daughter to him, implying a deep connection and shared grievance against Tito.
This line reveals Baldassarre's sense of loss and his hope that Romola will side with him.
“It is gone!—it is all gone!”
Baldassarre laments that his memory and former scholarly abilities have vanished, leaving him helpless and isolated.
This highlights the tragic decline of Baldassarre's mind and his vulnerability.
“You shall contrive it. I have learned by heart that you are his rightful wife.”
Baldassarre insists that Romola must help him plan his revenge, reminding her of her legal and emotional claim against Tito.
Baldassarre sees Romola as an ally in his quest for justice, but his demand for violence puts her in a difficult position.