Romola · Chapter
The Confession explained
Romola, having brought Tessa and the children home, is consumed by the public revelation of Fra Girolamo Savonarola's trial and confession.
What happens
Romola, having brought Tessa and the children home, is consumed by the public revelation of Fra Girolamo Savonarola's trial and confession. She reads the printed document repeatedly, torn between the partisans' claims of forgery and the evidence of his human weakness under torture. The chapter reflects on Savonarola's own writings from prison, where he abandons self-assertion for profound self-abasement, seeking only divine forgiveness. Romola perceives the depth of his sorrow and the tragedy of a man who sought greatness but fell into the shadow of his own failure.
Themes in this chapter
Redemption and Moral Choice
Savonarola's confession and subsequent writings show a profound struggle for redemption, as he abandons his former pride and seeks divine forgiveness.
Political and Religious Corruption
The chapter highlights the corrupt political and religious forces that conspired against Savonarola, including rigged trials and the influence of the Pope.
Knowledge and Erudition
Romola's careful reading and analysis of the confession reflects the theme of seeking truth through knowledge and discernment.
Characters to notice
- Romola de' Bardi
Romola is deeply troubled by Savonarola's confession, reading it repeatedly and feeling the anguish of his fall as if it were her own.
- Girolamo Savonarola
Savonarola's confession and subsequent prison writings reveal his inner turmoil, shifting from self-assertion to a plea for divine mercy.
- Tessa
Tessa and her children are brought home by Romola, though her presence is a background detail in this chapter.
- Ser Ceccone
The notary of evil repute who is suspected by Savonarola's followers of falsifying the confession.
- Dolfo Spini
Mentioned as one of Savonarola's bitterest enemies, involved in the rigged examination process.
Key passages
“Everything that I have done, I have done with the design of being forever famous in the present and in future ages; and that I might win credit in Florence; and that nothing of great import should be done without my sanction.”
Savonarola admits that his actions were driven by a desire for lasting fame and influence in Florence, wanting to be the central figure in all significant matters.
This confession reveals Savonarola's ambition, which was intertwined with his religious zeal.
“The voice of Sadness tells him, 'God placed thee in the midst of the people even as if thou hadst been one of the excellent. In this way thou hast taught others, and hast failed to learn thyself.'”
In his prison writings, Savonarola laments that he taught others but failed to apply the lessons to himself, having been lifted up by pride.
This shows Savonarola's deep self-awareness and remorse after his fall.