# LX: The Scaffold explained — Romola

> Chapter companion for Romola by George Eliot.

## What happens

The chapter depicts the execution of Bernardo del Nero and other conspirators. Tito feels relief at Bernardo's impending death, as it removes a threat to his security. Romola, in a state of intense identification with her godfather, witnesses his execution, determined to honor his nobility. Afterward, she resolves to escape her husband's grasp. The chapter also includes a conversation among officials, including Niccolò Machiavelli, discussing the political implications of the executions and the weakness of half-measures.

## Themes in this chapter

### Duty vs. Personal Desire

Romola's duty to her godfather and her personal grief are intertwined as she supports him in his final moments, while Tito's duty to his own safety overrides any personal qualms about the executions.

### Betrayal and Deception

Tito's relief at Bernardo's death is a form of betrayal, and his public demeanor of 'sad resignation' masks his private calculation, while Romola sees her godfather as a victim of political betrayal.

### Political and Religious Corruption

The chapter highlights the grim demands of political survival, with Machiavelli's cynical advice on statecraft and the questionable justice of the executions, reflecting the corruption of political power.

## Character check-ins

### Romola de' Bardi

Witnesses her godfather's execution with intense, almost transcendent composure, identifying with his nobility and resolving to escape her husband afterward.

### Tito Melema

Feels grim relief at Bernardo del Nero's impending death, viewing it as a necessary guarantee of his own safety and a solution to the threat Romola poses.

### Bernardo del Nero

Ascends the scaffold with a slow, firm step, declaring that his fellow-citizens have taken only a short space of his life, and shares a final farewell with Romola.

### Niccolò Machiavelli

Engages in a cynical discussion about statecraft, arguing that the only safe blows are those too heavy to be avenged, and criticizing the Frate's blunder of not being thorough enough.

### Domenico Cennini

Comments on Romola's likely reaction to the execution, suggesting it may shake her loose from the Frate, and engages in a debate with Machiavelli about political doctrine.

## Key lines

> But a man’s own safety is a god that sometimes makes very grim demands.

A person's need to feel secure can force them to accept terrible outcomes.

_Reflects Tito's internal justification for wanting Bernardo dead._

> It is but a short space of life that my fellow-citizens have taken from me.

My fellow citizens are only cutting short a life that was already brief.

_Bernardo's final words, showing his defiance and dignity in the face of death._

> The only safe blows to be inflicted on men and parties are the blows that are too heavy to be avenged.

The only safe way to strike against enemies is to hit them so hard they cannot retaliate.

_Machiavelli's cynical political advice, advocating for decisive and final action._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/romola_se/chapters/lx-the-scaffold
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/romola_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/romola_se/chapters