# XL: An Arresting Voice explained — Romola

> Chapter companion for Romola by George Eliot.

## What happens

Romola, having fled Florence in disguise, is stopped by Fra Girolamo Savonarola, who commands her to return. He argues that she is breaking her vows as a wife and citizen, and that true freedom lies in obedience to duty. Romola, initially defiant, is gradually moved by his words and the sight of the crucifix, ultimately submitting to his authority.

## Themes in this chapter

### Duty vs. Personal Desire

Savonarola argues that Romola cannot choose her duties, and that fleeing from them is a betrayal of her obligations to Florence and her marriage.

### Female Agency and Marriage

Romola's attempt to escape her unhappy marriage is challenged by Savonarola, who insists on the sanctity of the marriage bond and the wife's duty.

### Redemption and Moral Choice

Romola is confronted with the choice between her own will and the path of obedience, which Savonarola presents as the way to true moral life.

## Character check-ins

### Romola de' Bardi

Flees Florence in disguise but is stopped by Savonarola; struggles with her sense of duty and personal sorrow.

### Girolamo Savonarola

Intercepts Romola and delivers a powerful sermon on duty, obedience, and the sanctity of marriage.

## Key lines

> You assert your freedom proudly, my daughter. But who is so base as the debtor that thinks himself free?

You claim to be free, but you are actually in debt to your duties, and a debtor who thinks he is free is the most contemptible of all.

_Savonarola challenges Romola's notion of freedom, suggesting that true freedom comes from fulfilling one's obligations._

> You are seeking your own will, my daughter. You are seeking some good other than the law you are bound to obey. But how will you find good? It is not a thing of choice: it is a river that flows from the foot of the Invisible Throne, and flows by the path of obedience.

You are pursuing your own desires, but true goodness cannot be chosen; it comes only from following the path of obedience to divine law.

_Savonarola insists that moral good is not a matter of personal choice but is found through submission to higher authority._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/romola_se/chapters/xl-an-arresting-voice
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/romola_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/romola_se/chapters