# VI explained — The Charterhouse of Parma > Chapter companion for The Charterhouse of Parma by Stendhal. ## What happens 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. ## Themes in this chapter ### Love and Passion The developing romance between Contessa Pietranera and Conte Mosca is central, with Mosca's passionate courtship and the Contessa's growing attachment despite her initial reservations about his age. ### Power and Politics The chapter details political maneuvering at the Parma court, including Mosca's precarious position as Minister, the rivalry between the Ultra and Liberal parties, and the appointment of General Conti to the citadel. ### Ambition and Advancement Fabrizio's decision to enter the Church and study at Naples is driven by ambition for a successful career, guided by the Duchessa and Mosca's strategic advice. ## Character check-ins ### Contessa Pietranera The Contessa is courted by Conte Mosca at La Scala; she finds his lack of self-importance charming and begins to consider him as a suitor. She also reflects on her feelings for Fabrizio, seeing him as a handsome stranger and feeling a maternal affection. ### Conte Mosca Mosca, the Minister from Parma, spends the entire evening in the Contessa's box, becoming madly in love. He sends couriers with letters and gifts to continue the courtship after being recalled to Parma. ### Fabrizio del Dongo Fabrizio returns from France and appears to the Contessa as a handsome stranger. He agrees to enter the Church and study at the Ecclesiastical Academy in Naples, following advice from the Duchessa and Mosca. ### Duchessa Sanseverina The Duchessa (formerly Contessa Pietranera) advises Fabrizio on his ecclesiastical career, urging him to believe blindly and avoid objections. She also experiences anxiety over Mosca's political perils. ### Marchese del Dongo The Marchese is mentioned as disliking paying for the carriage of letters, prompting Mosca to send couriers to avoid his comments. ### Marchesa Raversi The Marchesa Raversi is described as the head of the Liberal Party at the Court of Parma, an intriguing woman capable of anything. ### General Fabio Conti General Conti is appointed governor of the citadel by Mosca, a move that carries political risks. ### Rassi Rassi is the cherished favourite of the Prince, retained at all costs, and is involved in the political intrigues at Parma. ## Key lines > “I can imagine,” she said to him, “that at Parma, among your slaves, you will not wear that friendly expression; it would ruin everything and give them some hope of not being hanged!” She joked that his kind demeanor would be out of place among his subordinates in Parma, as it might give them false hope of escaping punishment. _The Contessa teases Mosca about his friendly expression, highlighting the contrast between his public and private personas._ > “She is a woman,” he said to himself, “who revives in me all the follies of my youth!” He thought that she made him feel young again, bringing back the impulsive passions of his younger days. _Mosca reflects on the Contessa's effect on him, acknowledging the danger of his feelings._ > “I must explain to you, Signora,” he said to the Contessa with a laugh, “that at Parma I am bored to death, and I ought to be allowed to drink my fill of pleasure when the cup comes my way.” He confessed that he was terribly bored in Parma and felt entitled to enjoy himself when the opportunity arose. _Mosca justifies his prolonged visit to the Contessa's box by citing his boredom at court._ > “It is a postponement of death,” she said to herself, “it is not life.” She felt that her monotonous country existence was merely delaying death rather than truly living. _The Contessa reflects on her dissatisfaction with life at Grianta before meeting Mosca._ > “Believe or not, as you choose, what they teach you, but never raise any objection. Imagine that they are teaching you the rules of the game of whist; would you raise any objection to the rules of whist?” She advised him to accept all teachings without question, comparing them to the unchangeable rules of a card game. _The Duchessa instructs Fabrizio on how to navigate his ecclesiastical studies without controversy._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_charterhouse_of_parma_se/chapters/vi - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_charterhouse_of_parma_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_charterhouse_of_parma_se/chapters