Romola · Chapter
Inside the Duomo explained
Baldassarre, bound and escaped, enters the Duomo during Savonarola's sermon.
What happens
Baldassarre, bound and escaped, enters the Duomo during Savonarola's sermon. He is initially startled by the vast congregation but becomes absorbed in the preacher's fiery denunciation of corruption and prophecy of divine vengeance. Savonarola's words resonate deeply with Baldassarre's burning desire for revenge against Tito, and he feels a fierce exultation in the promise of eternal punishment. Romola, present in the cathedral, notices Baldassarre and is moved by his aged, suffering appearance.
Themes in this chapter
Betrayal and Deception
Baldassarre's intense hatred for Tito, whom he rescued and cherished, underscores the theme of betrayal and the desire for vengeance.
Political and Religious Corruption
Savonarola's sermon denounces the corruption of priests and the pollution of the sanctuary, highlighting the theme of religious and political decay.
Redemption and Moral Choice
Savonarola's call to repentance and his offer of self-sacrifice present a moral choice, contrasting with Baldassarre's vengeful interpretation.
Characters to notice
- Baldassarre Calvo
Enters the Duomo as an escaped prisoner, bound with a rope. He is consumed by hatred for Tito and finds Savonarola's threats of divine vengeance deeply resonant.
- Romola de' Bardi
Present in the Duomo, she observes Baldassarre with compassion, noting his grey hairs and evident suffering.
- Girolamo Savonarola
Preaches a powerful sermon in the Duomo, denouncing corruption and prophesying divine scourge, offering himself as a martyr.
Key passages
“I am willing—lay me on the altar: let my blood flow and the fire consume me; but let my witness be remembered among men, that iniquity shall not prosper forever.”
I am ready to be sacrificed—let my blood be shed and the fire burn me, but ensure that my testimony is remembered so that evil will not triumph eternally.
Savonarola offers himself as a martyr, emphasizing the theme of self-sacrifice for moral witness.
“The thunder of denunciation fell on his passion-wrought nerves with all the force of self-evidence: his thought never went beyond it into questions—he was possessed by it as the warhorse is possessed by the clash of sounds.”
The preacher's thunderous accusations struck Baldassarre's overwrought emotions with absolute certainty; he did not question them but was completely consumed by them, like a warhorse driven by the noise of battle.
Describes Baldassarre's visceral reaction to Savonarola's sermon, which feeds his desire for vengeance.