# XLVII: Check explained — Romola

> Chapter companion for Romola by George Eliot.

## What happens

Tito's carefully laid plans are thrown into disarray by the chance event of Romola accompanying him on a walk, which foils Spini's plot against Savonarola. He is now caught between warning Savonarola and appeasing Spini, risking suspicion from both sides. Romola, tormented by doubt and a sense of duty, spends a sleepless night and resolves to warn Savonarola herself. She confronts Tito in the Piazza del Duomo, demanding to know if the Frate has left the city. Upon learning he has not, she turns away, leaving Tito with a newfound feeling of hatred towards her.

## Themes in this chapter

### Betrayal and Deception

Tito's double-dealing with both Spini and Savonarola creates a web of suspicion and risk. His own wife doubts his truthfulness and fears he is a malefactor.

### Duty vs. Personal Desire

Romola is torn between her duty as a wife and her moral obligation to prevent her husband's potential crimes. She questions if her place is by his side even in prison, or if she must act against him.

## Character check-ins

### Tito Melema

Finds his clever arrangements frustrated by trivial incidents. He is annoyed and feels helpless when confronted by Romola, experiencing a feeling near hatred for her.

### Romola de' Bardi

Tormented by doubt about her husband and her own conduct. She watches through the night and resolves to go to San Marco to warn Savonarola, confronting Tito in the Piazza.

### Dolfo Spini

His plot against Savonarola fails due to Romola's presence. Tito fears his suspicion and the potential consequences of his disappointment.

### Cronaca

Present near Tito in the Piazza del Duomo, his presence gives Romola an opportunity to compel Tito to speak.

### Ser Ceccone

A Medicean agent present at the confrontation, who is not fond of Tito Melema.

## Key lines

> Life was so complicated a game that the devices of skill were liable to be defeated at every turn by air-blown chances, incalculable as the descent of thistledown.

Tito reflects that even the most clever plans can be ruined by random, unpredictable events.

_Highlights Tito's frustration with the unforeseen circumstances that disrupted his scheme._

> If her husband was a malefactor, her place was in the prison by his side—that might be; she was contented to fulfil that claim. But was she, a wife, to allow a husband to inflict the injuries that would make him a malefactor, when it might be in her power to prevent them?

Romola questions whether her duty to stand by her husband extends to allowing him to commit crimes she might be able to prevent.

_Illustrates Romola's internal conflict between loyalty and moral responsibility._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/romola_se/chapters/xlvii-check
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/romola_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/romola_se/chapters