The Charterhouse of Parma · Chapter
Chapter XXIII explained
The Duchessa Sanseverina, consumed by jealousy and despair over Fabrizio's love for Clelia, contemplates death and revenge.
What happens
The Duchessa Sanseverina, consumed by jealousy and despair over Fabrizio's love for Clelia, contemplates death and revenge. She receives news of the Prince's death and learns of political turmoil in Parma. Despite the Conte Mosca's warnings, she and Fabrizio return to Parma, where she hopes to hasten Clelia's marriage to Marchese Crescenzi, while Fabrizio dreams of reuniting with Clelia. The Conte reveals the reactionary measures taken by the new Prince and the precarious political situation.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Passion
The Duchessa's unrequited love for Fabrizio and her jealousy of Clelia drive her actions and inner turmoil.
Power and Politics
The political machinations in Parma after the prince's death, including Conte Mosca's struggle with the new regime and the appointment of Rassi.
Sacrifice and Redemption
The Duchessa contemplates sacrificing herself for Fabrizio's happiness, while Fabrizio dreams of sacrificing everything for Clelia.
Characters to notice
- Duchessa Sanseverina
Engages in a melancholy monologue about her age, jealousy of Clelia, and desire for revenge; she receives news of the Prince's death and later returns to Parma to hasten Clelia's marriage.
- Fabrizio del Dongo
Travels with the Duchessa on Lake Como, filled with joy at the prospect of seeing Clelia again; reluctantly agrees to delay his official entry into Parma.
- Conte Mosca
Writes frequent letters to the Duchessa, advises her to postpone her return to Parma, and later informs her of the political reaction and Rassi's appointment as Minister of Justice.
- Clelia Conti
Mentioned as the object of Fabrizio's love and the Duchessa's jealousy; her marriage to Marchese Crescenzi is being hastened by the Duchessa.
- Ferrante Palla
Mentioned in the Duchessa's thoughts as a potential source of danger if caught.
- Bruno
Arrives at the Duchessa's house with news of the Prince's death, having suffered injuries on the journey.
- Rassi
Appointed Minister of Justice by the new Prince, much to Conte Mosca's dismay.
- Marchese Crescenzi
Mentioned as the recipient of the post of Cavaliere d'onore and as Clelia's intended husband.
Key passages
“Who would ever have said that I should find it tedious to float on this charming lake, alone with him, and at the moment when I have done, to avenge him, more than I can tell him!”
The Duchessa reflects bitterly that being alone with Fabrizio on the lake now feels tedious, despite having just avenged him in a way she cannot reveal.
Highlights the Duchessa's emotional conflict and her secret revenge.
“Politics in a work of literature are like a pistol-shot in the middle of a concert, something loud and vulgar and yet a thing to which it is not possible to refuse one's attention.”
The narrator compares political events in a novel to a gunshot during a concert—jarring but impossible to ignore.
Authorial commentary on the intrusion of politics into the story.
“What avails, alas, the fidelity of a respected lover when one's heart is pierced by the coldness of the other whom one sets above him?”
The Duchessa finds Conte Mosca's devotion meaningless because her heart is consumed by Fabrizio's indifference.
Illustrates the Duchessa's emotional state and her prioritization of Fabrizio over Mosca.
