The Charterhouse of Parma · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for The Charterhouse of Parma by Stendhal.
Chapter 1
To the Reader
The author explains the origins of the story, which was written in the winter of 1830, far from Paris, and based on a tale told by a Canon's nephew in Padua. The narrative is drawn from the Canon's journal and concerns the Duchessa Sanseverina and the intrigues of the Parma court. The author notes that the Italian characters differ from French ones in their sincerity and passion, and that he has left their natural asperities intact while adding moral censure.
Chapter 2
The Charterhouse of Parma
The final chapter depicts Fabrizio's retreat to the Charterhouse of Parma after the death of his son Sandrino and Clelia's vow to never see him again. He spends a year in pious solitude, visited occasionally by the Duchessa and Mosca, before dying of a fever. The Duchessa and Mosca survive him, with the Duchessa passing away shortly after, and Mosca retiring to a comfortable life in Milan.
Chapter 3
I
The chapter opens with the entry of General Bonaparte into Milan on May 15, 1796, marking a dramatic shift in Lombard society from a sleepy, despotically ruled state to a passionate, heroic age. It introduces the del Dongo family at their castle in Grianta, focusing on the young Fabrizio, his pious mother the Marchesa, his sullen father the Marchese, and his brilliant aunt the Contessa Pietranera. Fabrizio, neglected in his education but favored by his aunt, is recalled from Milan to the castle, where his father and elder brother engage in secret correspondence with Vienna. The Marchesa worries about Fabrizio's ignorance and his Jesuit-influenced fanaticism, while Fabrizio spends his days hunting and boating, befriending the pro-French servants.
Chapter 4
II
Fabrizio, determined to join Napoleon, receives money and diamonds from his mother and sisters, then flees to Switzerland and on to Paris, where he is robbed by false friends. He buys horses and a servant and heads to the frontier, but is detained by soldiers. Meanwhile, the Contessa Pietranera, widowed and impoverished, rejects her suitor Limercati and eventually accepts her brother the Marchese's offer to return to Grianta. The chapter also introduces Priore Blanès, an astrologer who tutors Fabrizio and leads nocturnal fishing expeditions on Lake Como.
Chapter 5
III
Fabrizio, after being robbed and betrayed, wanders the battlefield in search of his regiment. He meets a kind vivandière who feeds him and advises him on soldiering. He buys a new horse and eventually joins an escort of generals, including Marshal Ney, experiencing the chaos and noise of battle for the first time.
Chapter 6
IV
Fabrizio, now a soldier, struggles with the harsh realities of war. He acquires a horse by threatening a soldier, rejoins his regiment, and is advised by the cantinière and Corporal Aubry to desert the army and adopt a civilian identity to avoid trouble.
Chapter 7
V
Fabrizio, now in exile, follows advice to adopt a politically safe lifestyle, taking a mistress from an ultra family and avoiding liberal associations. Meanwhile, the Duchessa Sanseverina visits Canon Borda to plead for Fabrizio's safety, revealing that his brother Ascanio reported him to the police. Fabrizio learns of this betrayal and, enraged, nearly stabs a man in Geneva before returning to Grianta in disguise.
Chapter 8
VI
The chapter explores the developing relationship between Contessa Pietranera and Conte Mosca, beginning with a long visit to her box at La Scala that sparks mutual attraction. Mosca, the powerful Minister from Parma, is recalled but continues his courtship through letters and couriers. Meanwhile, the Contessa's feelings for Fabrizio evolve into a maternal friendship, and she reflects on her own age and desires. The narrative also covers Fabrizio's decision to enter the Church, guided by advice from the Duchessa and Mosca, and his subsequent life in Naples. The chapter closes with political maneuvers at the Parma court, including Mosca's precarious position and the appointment of General Fabio Conti as governor of the citadel.
Chapter 9
VII
Fabrizio returns to Parma after four years of study in Naples, now a refined and handsome young man. The Duchessa Sanseverina and Conte Mosca are pleased with his transformation, but Mosca becomes jealous of the Duchessa's joy. Fabrizio is received by the Prince, who tests him with political questions, and Fabrizio answers with skill and caution.
Chapter 10
Chapter VIII
Fabrizio, torn by conflicting passions, escorts his mother to Lake Maggiore and then secretly returns to consult Priore Blanès. During a nocturnal journey, he experiences a moment of sublime beauty and resolves to be honest with the Duchessa, vowing never to speak of love to her. The Duchessa, meanwhile, struggles with her own feelings for Fabrizio and seeks the Conte's advice. Fabrizio visits his mother at Belgirate, where his melancholy deepens. He finally consults Blanès, who delivers a cryptic prophecy about a future imprisonment, a potential crime, and a peaceful death.
Chapter 11
Chapter IX
Fabrizio spends a day imprisoned in a belfry, reflecting on his childhood, his family, and his past loves, while observing the village below preparing for a festival. He is nearly arrested by constables but escapes, and later makes a detour to visit a chestnut tree planted by his mother, contemplating his future and the dangers of the police.
Chapter 12
Chapter X
Fabrizio returns to Parma after his adventures, including a daring horse theft and escape. He recounts his travels to the Duchessa and Conte Mosca, who express relief and concern over his recklessness. The Conte lectures him on prudence and the dangers of his impulsive actions, while Fabrizio defends his actions with a story from his family history. The Duchessa reveals her husband's death and her inheritance, and the conversation turns to the corrupt justice system in Parma.
Chapter 13
Chapter XI
Fabrizio grapples with his feelings for the Duchessa, resolves to act wisely, and becomes entangled in a violent confrontation with Giletti over little Marietta, while the Conte Mosca navigates court politics to secure Fabrizio's ecclesiastical advancement.
Chapter 14
Chapter XII
Fabrizio remains unaware of the political turmoil in Parma following Giletti's death, where the Prince and Marchesa Raversi plot against Conte Mosca. Archbishop Landriani writes a lengthy letter explaining the situation, while the Duchessa expresses her love and determination. Fabrizio experiences a religious epiphany in a church, lighting candles in gratitude. He meets Peppe, who provides passports, and later encounters little Marietta, who arranges a secret meeting.
Chapter 15
Chapter XIII
Fabrizio, now living in Bologna, enjoys a carefree life with the actress Marietta, but his romantic pursuits lead to a humiliating public hoax orchestrated by Conte M⸺. After being kidnapped and paraded through Parma in a sedan-chair, Fabrizio retaliates by arranging a duel. Meanwhile, he negotiates with Marietta's guardian to secure her comfort and loyalty.
Chapter 16
XIV
The Duchessa Sanseverina confronts the Prince of Parma to demand justice for Fabrizio del Dongo, who is about to be sentenced in absentia for killing Giletti. She threatens to leave Parma, forcing the Prince to promise not to sign the sentence and to banish the Marchesa Raversi. Meanwhile, the Prince secretly orders Fabrizio's arrest and works with the corrupt Fiscal General Rassi to secure a harsh sentence of twenty years in a fortress.
Chapter 17
Chapter XV
Fabrizio is arrested and imprisoned in the Torre Farnese of the citadel. Clelia Conti, the governor's daughter, is tormented by guilt for not responding to his greeting, recalling how he once helped her. At a party, Clelia's beauty and sorrowful expression outshine the Duchessa, who learns of Fabrizio's arrest and is devastated.
Chapter 18
XVI
The Duchessa Sanseverina is plunged into despair upon learning that Fabrizio is imprisoned in the citadel of Parma. She wrestles with her love for him, her hatred for the Prince, and her complicated feelings for Conte Mosca. After a sleepless night of rage and anguish, she resolves to feign indifference toward Fabrizio to protect him. When Conte Mosca finally gains admittance, she calmly proposes a separation, insisting she loves Fabrizio only as a sister, but that his happiness is essential to her own.
Chapter 19
Chapter XVII
Conte Mosca, devastated by the Duchessa's rejection and Fabrizio's impending execution, resigns as Prime Minister and calculates his modest fortune. He negotiates with Fiscal Rassi, offering the Cross of San Paolo in exchange for information about Fabrizio's fate, and learns the Prince is enraged with the Duchessa. Mosca sends Fabrizio a purse of six thousand francs and, in a moment of despair, visits the elderly Princess Isotta, contemplating a grotesque marriage proposal.
Chapter 20
Chapter XVIII
Fabrizio, imprisoned in the citadel, becomes obsessed with Clelia Conti, whose presence in the aviary below his window transforms his captivity. He bores a hole in the shutter to watch her, and his initial fear of prison gives way to a paradoxical happiness derived from his proximity to her. Meanwhile, Clelia struggles with her growing feelings and her pity for the Duchessa.
Chapter 21
Chapter XIX
Clelia Conti struggles with her feelings for Fabrizio del Dongo, torn between her love and her fear of his fickleness and his ties to the Duchessa Sanseverina. General Fabio Conti pressures her to marry the wealthy Marchese Crescenzi, threatening to send her to a convent. Meanwhile, Fabrizio's imprisonment continues, with the Conte Mosca and the Duchessa working to protect him. A serenade by the Marchese Crescenzi leads to a failed attempt to communicate with Fabrizio, and the governor's strict security measures are highlighted.
Chapter 22
Chapter XX
Fabrizio, imprisoned in the citadel, refuses to escape despite the danger of poison, driven by his love for Clelia. Clelia struggles with her conscience, torn between her duty and her feelings for Fabrizio. She eventually helps him communicate with the Duchessa Sanseverina, who arranges an escape plan. Fabrizio remains steadfast in his love, rejecting any plan that would separate him from Clelia.
Chapter 23
Chapter XXI
The Duchessa Sanseverina orchestrates Fabrizio's escape from the citadel, enlisting Ferrante Palla and Lodovico. She uses a narcotic on General Fabio Conti during a party, and Clelia Conti assists by delivering cords. Fabrizio prepares to descend from his window, while the Duchessa also plots revenge against the Prince, planning to use poison.
Chapter 24
XXII
Clelia is tormented by remorse for betraying her father to help Fabrizio escape. She confesses her willingness to marry Marchese Crescenzi if ordered. Meanwhile, Fabrizio successfully escapes the citadel during a foggy night, using a cord and distracting soldiers with sequins. The public and court react with mixed opinions, while Clelia discovers Fabrizio's love notes hidden in books given to Don Cesare.
Chapter 25
Chapter XXIII
The Duchessa Sanseverina, consumed by jealousy and despair over Fabrizio's love for Clelia, contemplates death and revenge. She receives news of the Prince's death and learns of political turmoil in Parma. Despite the Conte Mosca's warnings, she and Fabrizio return to Parma, where she hopes to hasten Clelia's marriage to Marchese Crescenzi, while Fabrizio dreams of reuniting with Clelia. The Conte reveals the reactionary measures taken by the new Prince and the precarious political situation.
Chapter 26
XXIV
The Duchessa arranges lively evenings at court to undermine Rassi, while Fabrizio's reckless return to the citadel for Clelia endangers him. Conte Mosca proposes a trial to clear Fabrizio's name, but the Duchessa fears poison. Rassi investigates the late Prince's death, linking Ferrante Palla to the insurrection and diamonds.
Chapter 27
XXV
Clelia is thrown into despair upon seeing Fabrizio again in the Torre Farnese, as she has made a vow to the Madonna to marry the Marchese Crescenzi and never see Fabrizio again. Meanwhile, the Duchessa Sanseverina confronts the Prince about the danger of poison to Fabrizio, and the Prince extracts a promise from her in exchange for saving Fabrizio. Fabrizio is eventually acquitted and installed in a fine office, but remains profoundly melancholy despite his honors and position.
Chapter 28
XXVI
Fabrizio, consumed by melancholy, spies on Clelia from his window and eventually disguises himself to visit her. Clelia, bound by a vow to the Madonna, rejects him but agrees to listen. The Duchessa, suspecting a reconciliation, decides to leave court. Clelia marries the Marchese Crescenzi, and Fabrizio retreats to a convent, gaining a reputation for sanctity. The Archbishop Landriani grows jealous of Fabrizio's popularity.
Chapter 29
Chapter XXVII
Fabrizio, now Coadjutor Archbishop, navigates court life in Parma while pining for the Marchesa Crescenzi (Clelia), who rejects his advances out of remorse. He corresponds with Conte Mosca and the Duchessa Sanseverina in exile, advising on political affairs. The Prince, bored and infatuated with the Duchessa, offers her a morganatic marriage, which she refuses, proposing instead a lasting friendship. Meanwhile, Fabrizio's indifference and moral purity earn him the Prince's favor, but his unrequited love for Clelia plunges him into despair.
Chapter 30
Chapter XXVIII
Fabrizio and Clelia's secret love affair continues, complicated by Clelia's vow to only meet in darkness. Fabrizio, now Archbishop of Parma, desires to have their son Sandrino live with him, leading to a painful scheme to fake the child's illness and death to abduct him from the Marchese Crescenzi. Clelia struggles with guilt and fear of divine punishment, while Fabrizio enlists Conte Mosca's help to arrange the Marchese's absence. Meanwhile, at the Crescenzi salon, Gonzo's tactless mention of Fabrizio's portrait causes Clelia to faint, revealing her emotional turmoil.
Chapter 31
Appendix
The appendix provides a translator's note on the making of this translation, the historical context of Parma and its ruling dynasties, the circumstances of Stendhal's composition of the novel, and corrections to the architectural and geographical details of the fictional setting.
Chapter 32
Endnotes
The endnotes provide explanatory annotations on Italian customs, literary references, historical figures, and translation notes referenced in the main text.
