The Charterhouse of Parma · Chapter
Chapter XV explained
Fabrizio is arrested and imprisoned in the Torre Farnese of the citadel.
What happens
Fabrizio is arrested and imprisoned in the Torre Farnese of the citadel. Clelia Conti, the governor's daughter, is tormented by guilt for not responding to his greeting, recalling how he once helped her. At a party, Clelia's beauty and sorrowful expression outshine the Duchessa, who learns of Fabrizio's arrest and is devastated.
Themes in this chapter
Fate and Foreboding
Clelia's premonition of Fabrizio's death and the Prince's ominous 'Prison! Death!' decree highlight the inescapable fate hanging over the characters.
Hypocrisy and Morality
Clelia's self-reproach for her rudeness and ingratitude contrasts with the courtiers' base behavior, exposing moral hypocrisy in society.
Freedom vs. Imprisonment
Fabrizio's physical imprisonment in the Torre Farnese parallels Clelia's emotional imprisonment by guilt and societal expectations.
Characters to notice
- Fabrizio del Dongo
Arrested and taken to the Torre Farnese; he is struck by Clelia's beauty and recalls their earlier meeting near Como.
- Clelia Conti
Governor's daughter; feels profound guilt for not responding to Fabrizio's greeting and is deeply moved by his plight.
- Duchessa Sanseverina
Learns of Fabrizio's arrest at a party; turns pale and struggles to maintain composure.
- General Fabio Conti
Governor of the citadel; embarrassed by the arrest and concerned about the reactions of the Duchessa and Conte Mosca.
- Conte Zurla-Contarini
Minister of the Interior; hosts the party where Clelia and the Duchessa meet.
- Barbone
Bloodstained clerk who suggests putting handcuffs on Fabrizio.
Key passages
“What a contrast between his noble features and my behaviour! What nobility! What serenity! How like a hero he looked, surrounded by his vile enemies!”
Clelia admires Fabrizio's noble and serene demeanor despite his dire situation, contrasting it with her own shameful conduct.
Clelia's internal monologue reveals her admiration and guilt.
“His tongue said: Prison! His eyes: Death!”
General Conti reports that the Prince verbally ordered imprisonment but his expression implied a death sentence.
Foreshadows the mortal danger Fabrizio faces.
“What eyes! What a wealth of expression in them! What profound pity!”
Fabrizio is captivated by Clelia's eyes, which he interprets as expressing deep compassion.
Fabrizio's romantic and emotional response to Clelia's gaze.