Romola · Chapter
XIX: The Old Man’s Hope explained
The chapter focuses on the growing acceptance of Tito Melema within Florentine high society, particularly his favor with Cardinal Giovanni de' Medici.
What happens
The chapter focuses on the growing acceptance of Tito Melema within Florentine high society, particularly his favor with Cardinal Giovanni de' Medici. Messer Bernardo del Nero, despite initial reservations, begins to approve of Tito as a suitable husband for Romola, impressed by his success and ability to navigate social circles. The chapter also details the ongoing concern for Bardo's library, with Tito and Bernardo planning to manage Bardo's debts and secure the library's future. Romola's deep love and trust in Tito are evident, though Bernardo hints at a subtle wariness of Tito's adaptability.
Themes in this chapter
Duty vs. Personal Desire
Romola's devotion to her father and her love for Tito are intertwined, but Bernardo's practical concerns about Tito's character hint at a potential conflict between duty to family and personal happiness.
Betrayal and Deception
Bernardo's comment about Tito being a 'demoni' of no particular country suggests a subtle distrust, foreshadowing Tito's potential for deception.
Characters to notice
- Tito Melema
Rising in favor with Cardinal Giovanni de' Medici and Florentine society; actively managing Bardo's affairs and winning Bernardo's respect.
- Romola de' Bardi
Radiant and happy in her love for Tito; defends him to Bernardo, seeing goodness in all his actions.
- Bernardo del Nero
Reluctantly impressed by Tito's success; advises on financial matters and expresses a subtle caution about Tito's nature.
- Bardo de' Bardi
Blind and aging, hopeful about securing his library's future; largely unaware of the extent of his debts.
Key passages
“Messer Bernardo del Nero was as inexorable as Romola had expected in his advice that the marriage should be deferred till Easter, and in this matter Bardo was entirely under the ascendancy of his sagacious and practical friend.”
Bernardo insisted on postponing the wedding until Easter, and Bardo, respecting his practical wisdom, agreed.
Highlights Bernardo's influence and the planned timing of the marriage.
“It seems to me he is one of the demoni, who are of no particular country, child,” said Bernardo, smiling. “His mind is a little too nimble to be weighted with all the stuff we men carry about in our hearts.”
Bernardo jokingly suggests that Tito is like a spirit without national ties, too quick-minded to be burdened with deep emotions.
Reveals Bernardo's subtle wariness of Tito's adaptability and lack of deep-rooted loyalty.