The Charterhouse of Parma · Chapter
V explained
Fabrizio, now in exile, follows advice to adopt a politically safe lifestyle, taking a mistress from an ultra family and avoiding liberal associations.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Hypocrisy and Morality
Fabrizio is advised to feign political conservatism and avoid intelligence, highlighting the hypocrisy required for survival.
Ambition and Advancement
Fabrizio's desire to join Napoleon and his pride in being thought an ambassador show his ambition, despite the risks.
Fate and Foreboding
The accusation by his brother and the constant threat of arrest create a sense of impending doom.
Characters to notice
- Fabrizio del Dongo
Follows advice to take a politically safe mistress and avoid liberal activities; learns of his brother's betrayal and nearly stabs a man in a rage.
- Duchessa Sanseverina
Visits Canon Borda to plead for Fabrizio, revealing the accusation by Ascanio and seeking help from Barone Binder.
- Marchesa del Dongo
Writes Fabrizio a letter with advice from Borda; waits for him at the castle.
- Marchese del Dongo
Mentioned as being in bed when Fabrizio returns; his authority is implied in the family's political caution.
- Ascanio del Dongo
Reported Fabrizio to the Milan police, causing the legal trouble.
- Gina del Dongo
Waits for Fabrizio at the castle with his mother and sisters.
Key passages
“Should consort with no one who bore any reputation for intelligence, and, were the need to arise, must speak of rebellion with horror as a thing that no circumstances could justify.”
He should avoid intelligent people and always condemn rebellion as absolutely unjustifiable.
Advice given to Fabrizio on how to avoid suspicion.
“It is most important that he should pay court openly to one of the pretty women of the district, of the noble class, of course; this will show that he has not the dark and dissatisfied mind of an embryo conspirator.”
He must publicly court a noblewoman to prove he is not a conspirator.
Canon Borda's strategic advice to Fabrizio.
“I have come to ask your favour for my nephew Fabrizio. This is the whole truth of the story without the slightest concealment, as one tells it to an old friend.”
I am here to ask for your help for my nephew Fabrizio, and I will tell you everything honestly.
The Duchessa's plea to Canon Borda.
“It was Ascanio, his elder brother, who had reported him to the Milan police. This cruel news almost drove our hero out of his mind.”
His brother Ascanio had informed on him to the police, which enraged Fabrizio.
Fabrizio learns of his brother's betrayal.