# XXXI: Fruit Is Seed explained — Romola

> Chapter companion for Romola by George Eliot.

## What happens

Tito, preparing to sell the library against Romola's wishes, avoids her affectionate gesture, marking a growing distance between them. Romola senses his change and feels wounded. Meanwhile, Bernardo del Nero visits, bringing news of the French king's departure and discussing Bardo's portrait, which stirs memories and reflections on the past.

## Themes in this chapter

### Betrayal and Deception

Tito's secret plan to sell the library, which he knows will betray Romola's trust and her father's wishes, highlights the theme of betrayal and deception.

### Duty vs. Personal Desire

Tito's internal conflict between his duty to Romola and his desire for financial security and an agreeable life illustrates the tension between duty and personal desire.

### Female Agency and Marriage

Romola's sensitivity to Tito's change and her internal struggle with her role as a wife, while maintaining her dignity, reflects the theme of female agency within marriage.

## Character check-ins

### Tito Melema

Tito avoids Romola's caress, revealing his inner turmoil over his decision to sell the library. He feels dread and unease about the impending collision with his wife.

### Romola de' Bardi

Romola perceives Tito's change and feels the first clear sign of distance in their marriage. She is deeply affected by the portrait of her father and the memory of his unfulfilled wishes.

### Bernardo del Nero

Bernardo visits Romola, bringing news of the French departure and sharing memories of Bardo. He reassures Romola about the future and shows his affection.

### Bardo de' Bardi

Though deceased, Bardo's presence is felt through his portrait and the ongoing concern for his library. Bernardo reflects on Bardo's fiery youth and his lifelong devotion to his books.

## Key lines

> Very slight things make epochs in married life, and this morning for the first time she admitted to herself not only that Tito had changed, but that he had changed towards her.

Small moments can mark major turning points in a marriage, and this morning Romola realized for the first time that Tito had not only changed but had changed in his feelings toward her.

_This highlights the subtle yet significant shift in their relationship._

> He was not tormented by sentimental scruples which, as he had demonstrated to himself by a very rapid course of argument, had no relation to solid utility; but his freedom from scruples did not release him from the dread of what was disagreeable.

Tito had convinced himself that his lack of moral hesitation was justified by practical benefits, but this did not protect him from the fear of unpleasant consequences.

_This reveals Tito's rationalization and his underlying anxiety._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/romola_se/chapters/xxxi-fruit-is-seed
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/romola_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/romola_se/chapters