The Charterhouse of Parma · Chapter
Chapter XIII explained
Fabrizio, now living in Bologna, enjoys a carefree life with the actress Marietta, but his romantic pursuits lead to a humiliating public hoax orchestrated by Conte M⸺.
What happens
Fabrizio, now living in Bologna, enjoys a carefree life with the actress Marietta, but his romantic pursuits lead to a humiliating public hoax orchestrated by Conte M⸺. After being kidnapped and paraded through Parma in a sedan-chair, Fabrizio retaliates by arranging a duel. Meanwhile, he negotiates with Marietta's guardian to secure her comfort and loyalty.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Passion
Fabrizio's pursuit of Fausta and Marietta, and his romantic escapades drive the chapter's plot.
Hypocrisy and Morality
The hoax and Fabrizio's manipulation of Marietta's guardian highlight the moral compromises in love and society.
Fate and Foreboding
Fabrizio's humiliation and the looming duel suggest a sense of inevitable consequence for his actions.
Characters to notice
- Fabrizio del Dongo
Living in Bologna, infatuated with Marietta, and humiliated by Conte M⸺'s hoax; plans a duel in retaliation.
- Little Marietta
Young actress with whom Fabrizio is involved; he drives her to scenic spots and negotiates with her guardian.
- Lodovico
Fabrizio's loyal retainer; helps plan the duel and carries out the kidnapping of Conte M⸺.
- Giletti
Mentioned as Marietta's former protector who took a third of her earnings.
- Fausta F⸺
Object of Fabrizio's initial pursuit; the hoax is staged under her windows.
- Bettina
Maid with whom Fabrizio flirts; she helps arrange signals for his visits.
- Conte Mosca
Implied orchestrator of the hoax; Fabrizio suspects him of arranging the humiliation.
- Duchessa Sanseverina
Fabrizio writes to her; she takes offense at his lighthearted tone.
Key passages
“No, I am not really in love in the least, he assured himself as he sang (none too well) beneath the windows of the little palazzo; Bettina seems to me a hundred times preferable to Fausta, and it is by her that I should like to be received at this moment.”
Fabrizio admits to himself that he is not truly in love, finding Bettina more appealing than Fausta as he sings poorly under her window.
Fabrizio's self-awareness about his lack of genuine passion.
“So this is the punishment I get for my folly, thought Fabrizio; I shall have damned myself for a sin which did not seem to me in the least attractive.”
Fabrizio reflects that his foolish actions have led to a punishment for a sin he didn't even find appealing.
Fabrizio's regret and realization of the consequences of his flirtation.
“Upon my soul, if this is the café life which seemed to me so ridiculous for a man of any worth, I did wrong to reject it, Fabrizio said to himself.”
Fabrizio reconsiders his earlier disdain for a leisurely life, now finding joy in his simple pleasures with Marietta.
Fabrizio's change in perspective on happiness and worth.
