Romola · Chapter
XIII: The Shadow of Nemesis explained
Tito, now betrothed to Romola, feels the shadow of his past deeds closing in.
What happens
Tito, now betrothed to Romola, feels the shadow of his past deeds closing in. He learns that Romola's long-lost brother, Dino, is dying at San Marco, and he fears that Dino will reveal his secret betrayal of his adoptive father, Baldassarre. Tito's anxiety grows as he realizes his prospects in Florence are threatened. He attempts to distract himself with social engagements, but the news of Dino's presence in Florence and Romola's determination to see her brother fill him with dread. The chapter ends with Tito encountering Romola in the street, dressed to visit San Marco, and he is forced to accompany her, his inner turmoil mounting.
Themes in this chapter
Betrayal and Deception
Tito's internal conflict is driven by his past betrayal of Baldassarre. He fears that Dino will expose his deception, and he contemplates further falsehoods to protect his position, highlighting the corrosive nature of his secret.
Duty vs. Personal Desire
Romola feels a duty to visit her dying brother Dino, despite the potential political repercussions. Tito, on the other hand, is torn between his desire to cling to Romola and his fear of the consequences of her visit.
Characters to notice
- Tito Melema
Tito is consumed by anxiety and fear as he anticipates that Romola's dying brother, Dino, will expose his betrayal of Baldassarre. He feels his carefully constructed life in Florence beginning to crumble.
- Romola de' Bardi
Romola is determined to visit her dying brother Dino at San Marco, despite the political and social implications. She remains unaware of Tito's deep-seated guilt and the true reason for his unease.
- Nello
The barber Nello provides Tito with a moment of social distraction, but also delivers the unsettling news that Dino has returned to San Marco, heightening Tito's fears.
- Monna Brigida
Monna Brigida accompanies Romola to San Marco, showing her loyalty and support, while also expressing her own pragmatic views on family grudges.
- Bernardo del Nero
Bernardo del Nero is present in the scene, observing Tito's behavior with contempt, viewing his courtly gestures as those of a 'fawning Greek'.
Key passages
“What could he say? He was not equal to the hypocrisy of telling Romola that such offences ought not to be pardoned; and he had not the courage to utter any words of dissuasion.”
Tito was unable to lie to Romola by saying such betrayals should never be forgiven, but he also lacked the bravery to try and talk her out of her forgiving nature.
This highlights Tito's internal moral conflict and his cowardice in the face of Romola's higher principles.
“He was at one of those lawless moments which come to us all if we have no guide but desire, and if the pathway where desire leads us seems suddenly closed; he was ready to follow any beckoning that offered him an immediate purpose.”
Tito, feeling trapped and without a clear path forward, was in a reckless state of mind, willing to seize any opportunity that presented itself, no matter the consequences.
This describes Tito's psychological state as his plans unravel, showing his desperation and moral drift.
“It may answer very well for them to cry me up now, when Poliziano is beaten down with grief, or illness, or something else; I can try a flight with such a sparrow-hawk as Pietro Crinito, but for Poliziano, he is a large-beaked eagle who would swallow me, feathers and all, and not feel any difference.”
Tito acknowledges that his current reputation is partly due to Poliziano's misfortune, and he admits he could compete with lesser scholars but would be utterly outmatched by the great Poliziano.
This reveals Tito's self-awareness of his own intellectual limits and the precariousness of his social standing.