The Charterhouse of Parma · Chapter
Chapter X explained
Fabrizio returns to Parma after his adventures, including a daring horse theft and escape.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Politics
The Conte discusses the corrupt justice system and the manipulation of power in Parma.
Fate and Foreboding
Fabrizio reflects on Priore Blanès' predictions and the sense of destiny guiding his actions.
Ambition and Advancement
Fabrizio's desire for a bishopric and his family's history of bold actions illustrate themes of ambition.
Characters to notice
- Duchessa Sanseverina
Expresses relief and emotion at Fabrizio's return; discusses her husband's death and legacy.
- Conte Mosca
Lectures Fabrizio on prudence and the dangers of his actions; discusses the corrupt justice system.
- Fabrizio del Dongo
Returns to Parma and recounts his adventures; defends his actions with a family story.
- Marchesa Raversi
Mentioned as the niece of the late Duca who plays tricks on the Duchessa.
- Priore Blanès
Referenced as the source of Fabrizio's joy and predictions.
Key passages
“cried the Duchessa, with tears in her eyes. “Here he is back again. …” “And I am more delighted than you, you may well believe,” replied the Minister with great seriousness, “but after all why did not this cruel boy come to me for a passport in a suitable name, since he was anxious to penetrate into Lombardy?”
The Duchessa tearfully exclaims that Fabrizio has returned, and the Conte Mosca expresses his own delight but questions why Fabrizio didn't ask for a proper passport.
The Conte's concern highlights the dangers Fabrizio faced and the political risks involved.
““To kill the devil rather than let him kill me, in the admirable words of my friends the French,” replied Fabrizio with blazing eyes; “to keep, by every means in my power, including pistols, the position you will have secured for me.””
Fabrizio declares he will use any means, including violence, to protect his position, echoing a French saying.
Fabrizio's response shows his determination and willingness to resort to force.
““I fully intend,” said Fabrizio, with the utmost seriousness, “to send whatever is necessary to the owner of the horse to recompense him for the cost of advertising and any other expenses which he may be made to incur by the contadini who may have found it; I shall study the Milan newspaper most carefully to find the announcement of a missing horse; I know the description of that one very well.””
Fabrizio seriously plans to compensate the horse's owner by checking newspaper ads for lost horses.
This shows Fabrizio's sense of honor and attention to detail, even in a reckless act.