# XXXII: A Revelation explained — Romola

> Chapter companion for Romola by George Eliot.

## What happens

Romola confronts Tito after discovering he has sold her father's library and antiquities without her consent. She is furious and accuses him of treachery, but Tito locks the door and insists the sale is final. Romola's anger and sense of betrayal are overwhelming, and she feels the old Bardo pride awaken in her. The chapter also shows Romola's earlier hope that the departure of the French might ease her anxieties about Tito, but the revelation of his betrayal shatters that hope.

## Themes in this chapter

### Betrayal and Deception

Tito's secret sale of Bardo's library is a profound betrayal of Romola's trust and her father's legacy.

### Female Agency and Marriage

Romola's powerlessness within her marriage is highlighted as Tito locks the door and asserts his masculine dominance, preventing her from acting on her own.

### Duty vs. Personal Desire

Romola feels a strong duty to her father's wishes, while Tito prioritizes his own interests and security.

## Character check-ins

### Romola de' Bardi

Romola is devastated and enraged by Tito's betrayal, feeling the pride of the Bardo blood for the first time. She confronts him about selling her father's library.

### Tito Melema

Tito reveals he has sold the library and antiquities, locking Romola in to prevent her from seeking help. He remains calm but is internally anxious.

### Bernardo del Nero

Romola considers going to her godfather for help, but Tito argues that Bernardo cannot reverse the sale.

### Bardo de' Bardi

Romola's father is mentioned as the one whose wishes she is trying to honor, and whose trust Tito has betrayed.

## Key lines

> I would give up anything else, Tito⁠—I would leave Florence⁠—what else did I live for but for him and you? But I will not give up that duty.

Romola declares she would sacrifice everything else, even leaving Florence, but she will not abandon her duty to her father's wishes.

_Romola asserts her commitment to her father's legacy over Tito's arguments._

> You are a treacherous man!

Romola directly accuses Tito of being deceitful and disloyal.

_Romola's anger and sense of betrayal are fully expressed._

> It is of no use for you to go to your godfather. Messer Bernardo cannot reverse what I have done.

Tito tells Romola that seeking help from Bernardo del Nero is futile because the sale is already final.

_Tito asserts his control and dismisses Romola's attempt to find a solution._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/romola_se/chapters/xxxii-a-revelation
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/romola_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/romola_se/chapters