Romola · Chapter
XXXIII: Baldassarre Makes an Acquaintance explained
Baldassarre, wandering through Florence, finds a shelter in an outhouse on the hill of San Giorgio, near the Via de' Bardi where Tito lives.
What happens
Baldassarre, wandering through Florence, finds a shelter in an outhouse on the hill of San Giorgio, near the Via de' Bardi where Tito lives. He is taken in by Monna Lisa, a deaf old woman, and meets Tessa, a young mother who lives there with her baby. Tessa, who is secretly married to Tito, befriends Baldassarre, bringing him food and company. Their conversation reveals Tessa's innocence and her hidden life, while Baldassarre remains focused on his quest for revenge against Tito.
Themes in this chapter
Betrayal and Deception
Tessa's secret marriage to Tito and her hidden life with Monna Lisa highlight the deception surrounding Tito's relationships.
Female Agency and Marriage
Tessa's situation as a wife who rarely sees her husband and lives in secrecy reflects the limited agency of women in marriage.
Characters to notice
- Baldassarre Calvo
Finds shelter in an outhouse on the hill of San Giorgio, near Tito's dwelling. He is weary and focused on his quest, but shows a moment of mildness with Tessa.
- Tessa
A young mother living with Monna Lisa, secretly married to Tito. She befriends Baldassarre, bringing him food and conversation, revealing her innocent and trusting nature.
- Monna Lisa
Deaf old woman who allows Baldassarre to stay in the outhouse in exchange for work. She is cautious and cunning, but kind in her own way.
Key passages
“It’s lain there ever since my old man died. What then? I might as well have put a stone on the fire. He chops very well, though he does speak with a foreign tongue, and looks odd. I couldn’t have got it done cheaper. And if he only wants a bit of straw to lie on, I might make him do an errand or two up and down the hill. Who need know? And sin that’s hidden’s half forgiven.”
Monna Lisa reflects that the wood has been unused since her husband died, and she might as well have burned it. She notes that Baldassarre chops well despite his foreign accent and odd appearance, and she got the work done cheaply. She considers using him for errands, thinking that hidden sins are half forgiven.
Monna Lisa's cunning and practical nature, showing her willingness to exploit Baldassarre while rationalizing it.
“No, indeed! But I must not tell you anything about my husband. You would never think what he is—not at all like Nofri!”
Tessa laughs at the idea that Baldassarre might know her husband, saying he is nothing like her cross-grained stepfather Nofri, but she refuses to reveal more about him.
Tessa's playful secrecy about her husband, revealing her affection and the contrast with her stepfather.