The Charterhouse of Parma · Chapter
Appendix explained
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 geogra
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Fate and Foreboding
The appendix notes the historical fates of the Bourbon rulers of Parma, echoing the novel's themes of destiny and downfall.
Characters to notice
- Fabrizio del Dongo
Mentioned in connection with Prince Sixte de Bourbon-Parme, who showed a reflection of Fabrizio's spirit in the late war.
Key passages
“It is probable that Beyle was led to place the scene of his story at Parma... precisely because there was not, in 1838, any reigning dynasty in that State.”
Stendhal likely chose Parma as the setting because it had no ruling dynasty at the time, allowing him fictional freedom.
Explains the author's choice of setting.
“The Chartreuse was written in (and not a distance of three hundred leagues from) Paris, and in the short interval between November 4, 1838, and December 26 of that year.”
The novel was written in Paris over just 52 days, from early November to late December 1838.
Highlights the rapid composition of the novel.