The Charterhouse of Parma · Chapter
Chapter XI explained
Fabrizio grapples with his feelings for the Duchessa, resolves to act wisely, and becomes entangled in a violent confrontation with Giletti over little Marietta, while the Conte Mosca navigates court politics to secure Fabrizio's ecclesiast
What happens
Fabrizio grapples with his feelings for the Duchessa, resolves to act wisely, and becomes entangled in a violent confrontation with Giletti over little Marietta, while the Conte Mosca navigates court politics to secure Fabrizio's ecclesiastical advancement.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Passion
Fabrizio's internal conflict over his feelings for the Duchessa and his attraction to Marietta highlight the complexities of love and desire.
Power and Politics
The Archbishop's proposal for Fabrizio's ecclesiastical advancement and the Prince's suspicions illustrate the intertwining of church and state power.
Hypocrisy and Morality
Fabrizio's struggle with sincerity and his self-criticism about his moral failings reflect the theme of hypocrisy.
Characters to notice
- Fabrizio del Dongo
Struggles with his emotions for the Duchessa and his resolve to be sincere; later confronts Giletti in a fight over Marietta.
- Duchessa Sanseverina
Shows deep affection for Fabrizio, feeling hurt by his desire to leave; she is moved by his transformation into a serious man.
- Conte Mosca
Reports the Archbishop's proposal for Fabrizio's appointment as First Vicar General and Coadjutor, and discusses the Prince's reaction.
- Little Marietta
Fabrizio visits her; she is abused by Giletti and still in love with Fabrizio, who plans to give her a blue shawl.
- Giletti
Violent and jealous, he attacks Fabrizio on the road, leading to a deadly struggle.
- Monsignor Landriani
The Archbishop proposes Fabrizio as his First Vicar General and Coadjutor, causing political ripples.
- Prince Ranuccio
Receives the Archbishop's proposal and discusses it with the Conte, showing suspicion but also favor.
Key passages
“speaking,” thought Fabrizio. “But by the lake I was a trifle mad; I did not realise, in my enthusiasm for sincerity, that my compliment ended in an impertinence.”
Fabrizio reflects that his earlier attempt at honesty by the lake was actually a clumsy insult.
Fabrizio's self-criticism about his sincerity.
““So you want to run away from me?” she asked him. “No,” he replied with the air of a Roman Emperor, “but I want to act wisely.””
The Duchessa accuses Fabrizio of avoiding her, but he insists he is only trying to be prudent.
Fabrizio's attempt to distance himself from the Duchessa.
““You inspire very singular passions,” he said to Fabrizio, who stood still, almost dumbfounded by this remark.”
The Conte tells Fabrizio that he arouses unusual feelings in others.
The Conte's observation about Fabrizio's effect on people.
““I have not altered in the least,” he said to himself; “all the fine resolutions I made on the shore of our lake, when I looked at life with so philosophic an eye, have gone to the winds.””
Fabrizio admits that his noble intentions from the lakeside have vanished.
Fabrizio's disappointment in his own lack of change.
““Ha! Brigand!” he shouted, “I am very glad to find you here, a league from the frontier; I'll settle your account for you, right away; you're not protected here by your violet stockings.””
Giletti threatens Fabrizio, believing he is safe from Fabrizio's ecclesiastical protections.
Giletti's aggressive challenge to Fabrizio.
