# XLVI: By a Street Lamp explained — Romola

> Chapter companion for Romola by George Eliot.

## What happens

Romola encounters Tito outside San Marco and they walk home together. Tito reveals he knows of a plot against Savonarola, but Romola distrusts him. A confrontation ensues where Tito physically restrains Romola from going to warn the Frate, and she threatens to denounce him if harm comes to Savonarola.

## Themes in this chapter

### Betrayal and Deception

Romola's distrust of Tito and her fear that he is complicit in a plot to betray Savonarola.

### Female Agency and Marriage

Romola's struggle against her husband's control, her threat to defy him, and her physical subjugation.

### Duty vs. Personal Desire

Romola's internal conflict between her duty as a wife and her moral duty to protect Savonarola.

## Character check-ins

### Romola de' Bardi

Confronts Tito about his involvement with Spini's plot, threatens to denounce him, and is physically restrained by her husband.

### Tito Melema

Meets Romola by chance, reveals knowledge of a plot against Savonarola, and uses force to prevent her from intervening.

### Maso

Accompanies Romola with a lantern but is dismissed by Tito.

### Dolfo Spini

Mentioned as the leader of the group Tito avoids and as the mastermind of the plot against Savonarola.

## Key lines

> Tito and Romola never jarred, never remonstrated with each other. They were too hopelessly alienated in their inner life ever to have that contest which is an effort towards agreement.

Tito and Romola avoided open conflict, but their inner estrangement made any real reconciliation impossible.

_Describes the emotional distance between the couple._

> If the Frate leaves the city⁠—if any harm happens to him, I will declare what I have heard to the Signoria, and you will be disgraced.

Romola threatens to expose Tito's involvement in the plot if Savonarola is harmed.

_Romola's ultimatum to Tito._

> I am master of you. You shall not set yourself in opposition to me.

Tito asserts his physical and marital authority over Romola, forbidding her to act against him.

_Tito's forceful control over Romola._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/romola_se/chapters/xlvi-by-a-street-lamp
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/romola_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/romola_se/chapters