# A Face in the Crowd explained — Romola

> Chapter companion for Romola by George Eliot.

## What happens

During the Feast of San Giovanni, Tito Melema observes the grand procession from a window with Nello, Piero di Cosimo, Cennini, and others. He spots a friar whose face stirs a faint, unpleasant memory, but the man disappears into the Duomo. The conversation turns to politics and art, and Tito greets a young contadina in the crowd, which Nello teases him about. The chapter highlights Tito's social grace and the tension between his public charm and private unease.

## Themes in this chapter

### Political and Religious Corruption

The chapter shows the intertwining of civic pride and political maneuvering, with comments on the Medici influence and the role of the Church, as seen in the procession and the friar's ambiguous presence.

### Knowledge and Erudition

The conversation among the intellectuals at the window reflects the humanist culture of Florence, with references to art, literature, and classical learning, contrasting with the popular spectacle below.

## Character check-ins

### Tito Melema

Observes the procession, shows interest in a friar's face, and greets a contadina, revealing his social ease and hidden anxieties.

### Nello

The barber, witty and teasing, comments on Tito's interactions and the procession, showing his Florentine curiosity.

### Piero di Cosimo

The painter, more interested in the visual spectacle of banners than the human pageantry, expressing his artistic temperament.

### Domenico Cennini

Printer and commentator, explains the political significance of the banners and the procession.

### Francesco Cei

Poet, criticizes the city's hospitality to foreigners and makes a jibe at Savonarola's absence.

### Cronaca

Architect, defends Savonarola's prophecies against vice and engages in political banter.

## Key lines

> Ay, Piero, if Satanasso could paint, thou wouldst sell thy soul to learn his secrets.

Nello jokes that if the devil could paint, Piero would trade his soul to learn his techniques.

_Highlights the artistic obsession of Piero and the witty banter among the group._

> The Frate neither rails nor prophesies against any man; he only prophesies against vice.

Cronaca defends Savonarola, saying he only preaches against sin, not against individuals.

_Shows the political and religious tensions surrounding Savonarola's influence._

> That is a goodly show of cavaliers, but are there not strangers among them? I see foreign costumes.

Tito remarks on the impressive display of horsemen, noting the presence of foreigners in the procession.

_Indicates Tito's diplomatic observation and the international nature of the festival._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/romola_se/chapters/viii-a-face-in-the-crowd
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/romola_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/romola_se/chapters