# LXV: The Trial by Fire explained — Romola > Chapter companion for Romola by George Eliot. ## What happens The chapter describes the dramatic public spectacle of the Trial by Fire in Florence on April 7th. A massive crowd gathers in the Piazza della Signoria to witness a supposed miracle, where Dominican and Franciscan monks are to prove their faith by walking through fire. Fra Domenico, a Dominican, is initially prepared to enter the flames, but the Franciscans raise objections, first about the crucifix and then about the consecrated Host. Savonarola, who had earlier challenged the trial, now appears confident but internally struggles with foreboding, aware that his political fortunes are crumbling. The trial stalls amid theological disputes, and the crowd grows restless and hungry. Meanwhile, Tito Melema watches from a window, satisfied that his machinations have contributed to Savonarola's downfall, and he anticipates leaving Florence soon. ## Themes in this chapter ### Political and Religious Corruption The chapter highlights the manipulation of religious ceremonies for political ends, as Tito uses the trial to further his own schemes, and the clergy engage in theological disputes that undermine the supposed miracle. ### Betrayal and Deception Tito's satisfaction in Savonarola's downfall and his role in orchestrating the trial reflect the theme of betrayal and deception, as he works against the friar while appearing neutral. ### Redemption and Moral Choice Savonarola's internal struggle between his public confidence and private foreboding touches on the theme of moral choice, as he faces the consequences of his past actions and the impending ruin of his cause. ## Character check-ins ### Girolamo Savonarola Savonarola appears outwardly confident during the Trial by Fire, but internally he is weighed down by foreboding and the impending ruin of his cause. He makes concessions to the Franciscans' objections, first about the crucifix and then about the Host, but remains firm in his stance. ### Tito Melema Tito watches the trial from a window of the Old Palace, feeling self-satisfied that his intrigues have contributed to Savonarola's downfall. He anticipates leaving Florence soon and views the trial as a mere comedy. ### Fra Domenico of San Marco Fra Domenico is the Dominican champion, dressed in a flame-colored cope, prepared to enter the fire. He is initially eager but is later prevented by Franciscan objections and is guarded to prevent enchantment. ### Dolfo Spini Spini leads the Compagnacci, a group of armed men stationed on the opposite side of the Piazza. He is described as thickheaded, and Tito claims credit for bringing about the trial through him. ## Key lines > We are so made, almost all of us, that the false seeming which we have thought of with painful shrinking when beforehand in our solitude it has urged itself on us as a necessity, will possess our muscles and move our lips as if nothing but that were easy when once we have come under the stimulus of expectant eyes and ears. Most people find it easy to act confidently in public even when they have privately dreaded the deception, because the attention of others gives them energy. _This reflects Savonarola's outward confidence despite his inner doubts._ > There was no malignity in Tito Melema's satisfaction: it was the mild self-gratulation of a man who has won a game that has employed hypothetic skill, not a game that has stirred the muscles and heated the blood. Tito felt a calm satisfaction, like someone who has won a strategic game, rather than a heated or malicious joy. _Tito's detached pleasure in Savonarola's downfall is highlighted._ > But speech is the most irritating kind of argument for those who are out of hearing, cramped in the limbs, and empty in the stomach. For the crowd that cannot hear the debate and is physically uncomfortable and hungry, the ongoing speech is extremely frustrating. _The restlessness of the spectators is emphasized._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/romola_se/chapters/lxv-the-trial-by-fire - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/romola_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/romola_se/chapters