Romola · Chapter
A Masque of the Furies explained
On Palm Sunday, Savonarola preaches his final sermon in San Marco, declaring himself ready to die.
What happens
On Palm Sunday, Savonarola preaches his final sermon in San Marco, declaring himself ready to die. By evening, Florence erupts in riot: the convent is besieged, Savonarola is arrested and dragged through the streets to the Old Palace, and the mob, guided by Compagnacci, sacks the houses of prominent Piagnoni, including Francesco Valori, who is murdered. Meanwhile, Dolfo Spini, the secret director of the riot, plots in a private retreat, furious at Tito's betrayal and planning revenge.
Themes in this chapter
Political and Religious Corruption
The Signoria's connivance with the mob and the Compagnacci's manipulation of the riot reveal the corrupt intersection of politics and religion.
Betrayal and Deception
Spini's fury at Tito's betrayal and the hidden machinations behind the public riot highlight the theme of deception.
Redemption and Moral Choice
Savonarola's acceptance of his doom and his resignation to being unworthy of martyrdom reflect a moral choice in the face of persecution.
Characters to notice
- Girolamo Savonarola
Preaches his final sermon, is arrested and humiliated by the mob, and resigns himself to his fate.
- Dolfo Spini
Directs the riot from a private retreat, furious at Tito's double-dealing and plotting revenge.
- Francesco Valori
Escapes San Marco but is murdered by the mob, his house sacked and his wife killed.
- Tito Melema
Mentioned as the object of Spini's wrath, having betrayed him and spoiled his plans.
- Ser Ceccone
Spini's constant companion during the night, receiving reports and assisting in the plotting.
- Francesco Cei
Present in Spini's retreat, mocking Spini's trust in Tito.
Key passages
“Once more Savonarola mounted the pulpit in San Marco, and saw a flock around him whose faith in him was still unshaken; and this morning in calm and sad sincerity he declared himself ready to die: in front of all visions he saw his own doom.”
Savonarola preached his final sermon, calmly accepting his impending death.
Highlights Savonarola's resignation and foreshadows his execution.
“The worst drop of bitterness can never be wrung on to our lips from without: the lowest depth of resignation is not to be found in martyrdom; it is only to be found when we have covered our heads in silence and felt, 'I am not worthy to be a martyr; the Truth shall prosper, but not by me.'”
True bitterness comes from feeling unworthy of martyrdom, not from external suffering.
Reflects Savonarola's internal struggle and the theme of moral choice.
“In this way that Masque of the Furies, called Riot, was played on in Florence through the hours of night and early morning.”
The riot unfolded like a theatrical performance of furies throughout the night.
Metaphorically describes the chaos and violence of the riot.