Romola · Chapter
XXXVI: Ariadne Discrowns Herself explained
Romola, having witnessed the final removal of her father's library, feels the desolation of her loss and the triumph of Florence's Great Council as a cruel mockery.
What happens
Romola, having witnessed the final removal of her father's library, feels the desolation of her loss and the triumph of Florence's Great Council as a cruel mockery. She plans to leave Florence secretly, taking only her wedding chest and a coarse garment, and prepares to sever herself from Tito, who announces a sudden trip to Rome. As she packs, she struggles with memories of her former happiness and the shame of her harsh words, ultimately resolving to depart at dawn with Maso.
Themes in this chapter
Female Agency and Marriage
Romola's decision to leave her husband and her secret planning of departure highlight her struggle for autonomy within a marriage that has become oppressive and deceitful.
Betrayal and Deception
Tito's treachery, both in selling the library and in his political dealings, is the catalyst for Romola's disillusionment and her resolve to sever ties.
Love and Selfishness
Romola's memories of past love contrast with Tito's selfishness, and her own struggle between clinging to love and embracing repulsion reflects the theme's complexity.
Characters to notice
- Romola de' Bardi
Romola watches the library being packed away, feels the pain of her father's loss, and plans her secret departure from Florence, torn between memories of past happiness and her resolve to leave Tito.
- Tito Melema
Tito informs Romola of his sudden trip to Rome, showing a cold indifference to her emotional state, and his presence only intensifies her resolve to leave.
- Maso
Old Maso is entrusted with the secret of Romola's departure, tasked with arranging mules and accompanying her as far as Bologna.
- Bardo de' Bardi
Though deceased, Bardo's memory looms large as Romola mourns the loss of his library and his lifelong hopes, feeling his presence in the desolation.
Key passages
“It is the way with half the truth amidst which we live, that it only haunts us and makes dull pulsations that are never born into sound.”
We often sense truths but fail to fully acknowledge them, as they linger in our minds without becoming clear thoughts.
Romola's internal conflict about the nature of her bond with Tito.
“She snatched the ring from her finger and laid it on the table against the pen with which she meant to write.”
She removed her wedding ring and placed it beside the pen, symbolizing her decision to end the marriage.
Romola's decisive act of discrowning herself as Ariadne.
“Hard speech between those who have loved is hideous in the memory, like the sight of greatness and beauty sunk into vice and rags.”
Bitter words exchanged between former lovers are painful to recall, just as seeing something once great now degraded is distressing.
Romola's shame over the harsh words she spoke to Tito.