The Innocents Abroad · Chapter
XXVIII explained
The narrator describes a visit to the Capuchin Convent's ossuary, where human bones form elaborate decorations, and a monk tells the tragic story of Brother Thomas.
What happens
The narrator describes a visit to the Capuchin Convent's ossuary, where human bones form elaborate decorations, and a monk tells the tragic story of Brother Thomas. He then reflects on the overwhelming abundance of art in Rome, criticizing the old masters for neglecting historical scenes, and praises the papal government for preserving art.
Themes in this chapter
Religion and Hypocrisy
The monk's pride in the bone decorations and the tragic story of Brother Thomas highlight the intersection of faith, mortality, and human emotion.
The Past vs. the Present
The narrator contrasts the ancient art and ruins of Rome with modern sensibilities, criticizing the old masters for neglecting historical scenes.
Characters to notice
- The Narrator
Describes the ossuary and reflects on art in Rome.
- The Good Lord Luigi
Mentioned in the context of the monk's story as Brother Thomas, a young prince who became a monk.
Key passages
“I asked the good-natured monk who accompanied us, who did this? And he said, " We did it"—meaning himself and his brethren upstairs.”
The narrator asked the monk who created the bone decorations, and the monk replied that he and his fellow monks did.
Shows the monks' pride in their macabre artwork.
“I could see that the old friar took a high pride in his curious show.”
The narrator observed that the monk was very proud of the ossuary display.
Highlights the monk's attitude toward death and art.
“The surest way to stop writing about Rome is to stop.”
The best way to end a description of Rome is simply to cease writing.
Reflects the narrator's frustration with the overwhelming subject.