Suspense · Chapter
VII explained
Count Helion de Montevesso is summoned by an old peasant woman to attend to his niece, Clelia, who is in a state of agitation.
What happens
Count Helion de Montevesso is summoned by an old peasant woman to attend to his niece, Clelia, who is in a state of agitation. The old woman, who has cared for Clelia, explains the girl's unruly behavior since their arrival in Genoa. Count de Montevesso goes to Clelia's room, where Father Paul Carpi is also present. Clelia expresses her hatred for the society women who despise her, particularly the Count's wife. She reveals her desire for the young Englishman who visited that day, Cosmo Latham. The Count dismisses the idea, suggesting he has better plans for her marriage. Clelia becomes passionate and clings to him, insisting she must have Cosmo. The chapter ends with the Abbé and the doctor entering the room.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Upward Mobility
Clelia's distress stems from her feeling of being an outsider among the 'grandissimi signori'. The Count's ambition for her to marry a 'marquis or a count' highlights the theme of social climbing.
Identity and Displacement
Clelia is displaced from her village and feels like a 'brute beast' in the aristocratic society of Genoa. The old woman also expresses bewilderment at the sudden change in her life.
Love, Marriage, and Sacrifice
Clelia's passionate and possessive desire for Cosmo Latham contrasts with the Count's pragmatic view of marriage as a strategic alliance.
Characters to notice
- Count de Montevesso
Summoned to deal with his niece Clelia's outburst. He shows a paternal, yet calculating, concern for her future, considering her marriage prospects.
- Clelia
In a state of high agitation, expressing hatred for the society around her and a passionate, obsessive desire for Cosmo Latham.
- Father Paul
Present in Clelia's room, attempting to calm her. He is frustrated by her behavior and threatens to exorcise her.
- Cosmo Latham
Mentioned by Clelia as the object of her desire. He is described as the young Englishman who visited that day.
- Madame de Montevesso
Referred to by Clelia as the 'yellow-haired witch' and the Count's wife, whom she despises.
Key passages
“The old woman pushed back her shawl and raised her wrinkled soft face without much expression to say: 'The child has been calling for you for the last hour or more.'”
An elderly woman informed Count de Montevesso that Clelia had been demanding to see him for over an hour.
This introduces the central conflict of the chapter.
“I am a brute beast to them.”
Clelia feels that the aristocratic women view her as an animal, not a person.
This highlights Clelia's sense of alienation and social inferiority.
“I want that young signor that came today to make eyes at my aunt.”
Clelia declares her desire for the young gentleman who was paying attention to her aunt earlier.
This reveals Clelia's romantic obsession with Cosmo Latham.
“You wait till you are a little older. You will have plenty of people at your feet; and then you will be able to spurn anybody you like.”
The Count advises Clelia to be patient, promising that she will one day have the power to reject others as she feels rejected now.
This shows the Count's pragmatic and ambitious worldview.