# The Prisoners explained — Romola

> Chapter companion for Romola by George Eliot.

## What happens

In this chapter, Tito Melema encounters his adoptive father Baldassarre Calvo, who has been captured as a prisoner. The confrontation is tense and silent, with Tito denying any knowledge of Baldassarre, who disappears into the church. Meanwhile, the city prepares for a procession, and Tito is seen in the company of Lorenzo Tornabuoni and a French nobleman, acting as an interpreter. The chapter also depicts the harsh treatment of prisoners by French soldiers, with Baldassarre refusing to beg for alms, drawing the anger of the Florentine crowd.

## Themes in this chapter

### Betrayal and Deception

Tito's denial of Baldassarre, his adoptive father, is a clear act of betrayal, driven by fear and self-preservation.

### Duty vs. Personal Desire

Tito's choice to abandon his past and embrace his new life in Florence reflects the conflict between his duty to Baldassarre and his desire for personal advancement.

## Character check-ins

### Tito Melema

Tito is confronted by Baldassarre, his adoptive father, and denies knowing him. He appears changed, having adopted a role in life, and is now serving as an interpreter for the French.

### Baldassarre Calvo

Baldassarre is a prisoner of the French, refusing to beg despite his harsh treatment. He confronts Tito with a fierce gaze before disappearing into the church.

### Piero di Cosimo

Piero observes Tito's reaction to Baldassarre and comments on the ghost-like appearance. He is later involved in a discussion about the Duomo's decorations.

### Lorenzo Tornabuoni

Lorenzo is part of the party with the French nobleman, showing his diplomatic skills. He is noted as a Medicean at heart.

## Key lines

> There are moments when our passions speak and decide for us, and we seem to stand by and wonder.

Sometimes our emotions take over and make decisions for us, leaving us feeling like passive observers of our own actions.

_This reflects Tito's instinctive denial of Baldassarre, driven by fear rather than reason._

> It was that change which comes from the final departure of moral youthfulness—from the distinct self-conscious adoption of a part in life.

Tito had undergone a transformation that marked the end of his youthful innocence, as he consciously chose a role to play in society.

_This highlights Tito's moral decline and his deliberate choice to abandon his former self._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/romola_se/chapters/xxii-the-prisoners
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/romola_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/romola_se/chapters