# Chapter XX explained — The Charterhouse of Parma

> Chapter companion for The Charterhouse of Parma by Stendhal.

## What happens

Fabrizio, imprisoned in the citadel, refuses to escape despite the danger of poison, driven by his love for Clelia. Clelia struggles with her conscience, torn between her duty and her feelings for Fabrizio. She eventually helps him communicate with the Duchessa Sanseverina, who arranges an escape plan. Fabrizio remains steadfast in his love, rejecting any plan that would separate him from Clelia.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Passion

Fabrizio's refusal to escape and Clelia's internal conflict underscore the theme of love as a powerful, all-consuming force that overrides reason and self-preservation.

### Freedom vs. Imprisonment

The physical imprisonment of Fabrizio in the citadel contrasts with the emotional imprisonment of Clelia, who is trapped between duty and love.

### Power and Politics

The Raversi faction's plot to poison Fabrizio and overthrow Conte Mosca illustrates the ruthless political maneuvering in the court of Parma.

## Character check-ins

### Fabrizio del Dongo

Refuses to escape from the citadel, preferring to die there rather than leave Clelia. His love for her is proven by his willingness to face poison.

### Clelia Conti

Torn between duty and love, she helps Fabrizio by arranging communication with the Duchessa and struggles with the moral implications of her actions.

### Duchessa Sanseverina

Actively works to secure Fabrizio's escape, using her influence to win over a soldier in the garrison and sending a letter with escape instructions.

### Conte Mosca

Referenced as the target of the Raversi faction's plots; his removal from Parma is sought through the Duchessa's desperation.

### Marchesa Raversi

Implied as the leader of the faction plotting against Fabrizio and Conte Mosca, seeking to bring about the Duchessa's desperation.

### General Fabio Conti

Clelia's father, whose gout and social visits provide opportunities for Clelia to meet Fabrizio in the marble chapel.

## Key lines

> I do not wish to escape; I wish to die here!

Fabrizio declares his intention to remain in prison and face death rather than leave Clelia.

_This quote encapsulates Fabrizio's unwavering devotion and the central conflict of the chapter._

> My duty is to take refuge in a convent, far from the citadel; when Fabrizio knows that I am no longer here, and I shall make Grillo and all the gaolers tell him, then he will decide upon an attempt at escape.

Clelia considers entering a convent to force Fabrizio to escape, but fears losing all hope of seeing him again.

_Highlights Clelia's moral struggle and her desire to protect Fabrizio at the cost of her own happiness._

> You must escape with cords: I shudder as I give you this strange advice, I have been hesitating, for two whole months and more, to tell you this; but the official outlook grows darker every day, and one must be prepared for the worst.

The Duchessa urges Fabrizio to escape using ropes, revealing the increasing danger he faces from the court faction.

_Shows the Duchessa's desperation and the urgency of the political threat against Fabrizio._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_charterhouse_of_parma_se/chapters/xx
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_charterhouse_of_parma_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_charterhouse_of_parma_se/chapters