# Florence Expects a Guest explained — Romola > Chapter companion for Romola by George Eliot. ## What happens In November 1494, Florence prepares for the arrival of King Charles VIII of France, whose invasion of Italy has been invited by Ludovico Sforza of Milan. The city is in a state of mixed anticipation and fear, having recently expelled Piero de' Medici and restored the Republic. Savonarola's prophecies of a divine scourge seem to be materializing, and the Florentines, while outwardly festive, are also arming themselves in case the French king proves hostile. The chapter also reflects on the political corruption and moral decay of Italy, contrasting it with Savonarola's fervent belief in divine justice. ## Themes in this chapter ### Political and Religious Corruption The chapter describes the corruption of the Church and Italian politics, with the Pope accepting bribes and the clergy being morally decayed, contrasting with Savonarola's call for reform. ### Historical Change and Continuity The chapter marks a pivotal moment in Italian history with the French invasion, the fall of the Medici, and the rise of Savonarola's influence, showing how political shifts affect individual lives. ### Redemption and Moral Choice Savonarola's preaching emphasizes repentance and moral renewal as the only way to avoid divine punishment, presenting a choice between corruption and righteousness. ## Character check-ins ### Romola de' Bardi Mentioned as having been married to Tito for over eighteen months, her fortunes now tied to the political upheaval in Florence. ### Tito Melema Mentioned as Romola's husband, whose fate is linked to the political changes in Florence. ### Girolamo Savonarola His prophecies of a divine scourge are being fulfilled with the French invasion; he sees Charles VIII as God's instrument. ### Piero de' Medici Recently expelled from Florence after surrendering fortresses to the French; a price set on his head. ### Lorenzo de' Medici Recalled as having maintained a wary policy that kept peace among Italian states, now nullified by his son Piero. ### Ludovico Sforza Not explicitly named in the excerpt but referred to as the Duke of Milan who invited the French king to Italy. ### Leonardo da Vinci Mentioned as a splendid patron of Ludovico Sforza, though not directly involved in the chapter's events. ## Key lines > It was the 17th of November 1494 : more than eighteen months since Tito and Romola had been finally united in the joyous Easter time On November 17, 1494, Tito and Romola had been married for over a year and a half, since Easter of 1493. _Sets the time frame and the marital status of the main characters._ > The great bell in the palace tower had rung out the hammer-sound of alarm, and the people had mustered with their rusty arms, their tools and impromptu cudgels, to drive out the Medici. The alarm bell had rung, and the citizens had gathered with whatever weapons they had to expel the Medici family. _Describes the popular uprising that led to the expulsion of the Medici._ > Some compared the newcomer to Charlemagne, reputed rebuilder of Florence, welcome conqueror of degenerate kings, regulator and benefactor of the Church; some preferred the comparison to Cyrus, liberator of the chosen people, restorer of the Temple. People compared the French king to Charlemagne or Cyrus, seeing him as a liberator and restorer of order. _Shows the varied expectations of the French invasion._ > Fra Girolamo’s word was powerful; yet now that the new Cyrus had already been three months in Italy, and was not far from the gates of Florence, his presence was expected there with mixed feelings, in which fear and distrust certainly predominated. Savonarola's prophecies had influence, but the actual arrival of the French king was met with fear and suspicion. _Highlights the ambivalence toward the French invasion._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/romola_se/chapters/xxi-florence-expects-a-guest - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/romola_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/romola_se/chapters