The Charterhouse of Parma · Chapter
I explained
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.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Freedom vs. Imprisonment
The arrival of the French liberates the Milanese from Austrian despotism and clerical obscurantism, but Fabrizio is imprisoned in the dull castle of Grianta, subject to his father's secret loyalist activities.
Hypocrisy and Morality
The Marchese secretly corresponds with Vienna while wearing his orders; the Marchesa is horrified by Fabrizio's Jesuit fanaticism yet is herself pious; the Jesuits exploit the Contessa's influence.
Ambition and Advancement
The Contessa uses her court influence to secure Fabrizio a post as officer of hussars and a page position; the Superior of the Jesuit College profits from his connection to her.
Characters to notice
- Fabrizio del Dongo
Young Fabrizio is recalled from Milan to Grianta; he is ignorant but charming, takes religious teaching seriously, and spends his days hunting and boating.
- Marchesa del Dongo
The Marchesa is horrified by Fabrizio's ignorance and his fanatical piety; she fears losing his affection to the Marchese and weeps copiously.
- Marchese del Dongo
The Marchese is sullen and secretive, closeted with his elder son composing cipher despatches to Vienna; he wears his orders while dictating.
- Contessa Pietranera
The Contessa is madly fond of Fabrizio, has a supreme contempt for her brother the Marchese, and secures Fabrizio a post as officer of hussars; she writes to reclaim her nephew.
- Conte Pietranera
The Conte is as fond of Fabrizio as his wife, often puts him on a horse and takes him on parade.
- Marchesino Ascanio
The elder son of the Marchese, he helps his father cipher despatches to Vienna and appears only at mealtimes.
Key passages
“On the 15th of May, 1796, General Bonaparte made his entry into Milan at the head of that young army which had shortly before crossed the Bridge of Lodi and taught the world that after all these centuries Caesar and Alexander had a successor.”
Bonaparte entered Milan on May 15, 1796, leading the army that had just crossed the Bridge of Lodi, proving himself a modern Caesar or Alexander.
Opening historical event that sets the stage for the chapter.
“The Marchesa had a horror of lying to the people to whom she was attached; she examined her son and was appalled by his ignorance.”
The Marchesa, who hated lying to those she loved, tested Fabrizio and was shocked by how little he knew.
Reveals the Marchesa's character and her concern for Fabrizio's education.
“The Contessa had a supreme contempt for her brother, she regarded him as a melancholy fool, and one who would be troublesome if ever it lay in his power. But she was madly fond of Fabrizio, and, after ten years of silence, wrote to the Marchese reclaiming her nephew; her letter was left unanswered.”
The Contessa despised her brother as a gloomy fool but adored Fabrizio; after a decade of silence, she wrote to demand his return, but the Marchese ignored her.
Highlights the family tensions and the Contessa's devotion to Fabrizio.
