(Capitolo 20) Promessi Sposi: Riassunto

Summary

In this chapter summary, Patrick Seri guides readers through the 20th chapter of his novel, set in a castle on the border between Milan and Bergamo during the Venetian Republic era. The castle, a fortress accessible only by a single road, is the lair of an unnamed lord. Don Rodrigo seeks the lord's help for a matter of honor, involving the kidnapping of Lucia. Despite the lord's past crimes and growing remorse, he accepts the task, setting in motion a plan involving a carriage, armed men, and a deceitful monastic plot. The chapter unfolds with Lucia's abduction and the lord's internal struggle with morality and the inevitability of death, culminating in an anxious wait for Lucia's arrival at the castle.

Takeaways

• 🏰 The story revolves around a castle located on a hill between the territories of Milan and Bergamo, which belonged to the Republic of Venice.
• 🚧 The castle is accessible only from one side due to steep cliffs on the other, making it an impregnable fortress.
• 👥 The castle is guarded by a garrison of brave soldiers, and only friends or allies of the lord can approach it.
• 👮‍♂️ There are legends about the castle's invincibility, especially concerning the failed attempts by law enforcement to arrest the 'Innominato'.
• 🛤️ A single, winding road leads to the castle, with an inn at the entrance that serves as a guard post.
• 🤠 Don Rodrigo, seeking help for a matter of honor, visits the 'Innominato' and is accompanied by a group of armed men.
• 🗓️ The 'Innominato', a tall, bald man with a rugged face, listens to Don Rodrigo's problem and agrees to help, despite the difficulty of the task.
• 🤔 The 'Innominato' is troubled by past crimes and the approaching inevitability of death, which has led to a change in his attitude towards his actions.
• 📝 He uses intermediaries, like the 'Nibbio', for communication and to organize the kidnapping of Lucia, involving a complicit nun named Gertrude.
• 🚗 Lucia is deceived by Gertrude and kidnapped by the 'Nibbio' and his accomplices, who are disguised as travelers.
• 🕊️ Despite her fear and attempts to escape, Lucia is held captive and is taken to the 'Innominato's' castle, where he awaits her arrival with mixed feelings.

Q & A

Who is the narrator of the chapter summary?

The narrator of the chapter summary is Patrick Seri.

What is the setting of the story in Chapter 20?

The story is set in a castle located in a valley on the border between the Milanese and Bergamasco regions, which belonged to the Republic of Venice at the time.

How is the castle described in terms of accessibility and defense?

The castle is described as an impregnable fortress situated on top of a hill accessible only from one side due to steep cliffs on the other side. It is surrounded by a garrison of brave soldiers, making it difficult for anyone to approach without being seen.

What is the significance of the inn called 'La Notte'?

The inn called 'La Notte', despite having a shining sun as its sign, serves as a guard post for the castle. It is where Don Rodrigo and his men must disarm before proceeding to the castle.

Who is Don Rodrigo and what does he do at the inn?

Don Rodrigo is a character who, upon approaching the inn 'La Notte', is met by an armed young man. After identifying himself as a friend of the castle's lord, he is allowed to proceed to the castle, leaving his armed men behind.

What is the purpose of Don Rodrigo's visit to the castle?

Don Rodrigo visits the castle to seek help from the unnamed lord, referred to as 'L'Innominato', for a matter of honor involving the abduction of a girl named Lucia.

Can you describe L'Innominato's physical appearance and demeanor?

L'Innominato is described as a tall, bald man with few white hairs, a rugged face, and the vigor of a much younger man despite appearing to be in his sixties.

What internal conflict is L'Innominato experiencing?

L'Innominato is experiencing an internal conflict where he is grappling with the inevitability of death and the voice of his conscience, which he had previously ignored. He is also troubled by his past crimes and is now concerned about a future judgment.

What role does Egidio play in the abduction plan?

Egidio is an accomplice who is instrumental in the abduction plan. He assures L'Innominato that the abduction of Lucia will be easy and safe, as he has the complicity of the abbess of Monza, who is his lover and accomplice.

How does Gertrude, the abbess of Monza, react to the abduction plan?

Gertrude initially feels a great repulsion at the idea of betraying Lucia, whom she genuinely adores. However, feeling obligated due to her involvement in a previous crime and her love for Egidio, she reluctantly agrees to participate in the plan.

What is the method used to abduct Lucia?

Lucia is tricked by Gertrude into leaving the monastery under the pretense of a secret mission. Once outside, she is intercepted by the 'Nibbio' and other henchmen, who forcibly abduct her into a carriage.

How does L'Innominato plan to handle Lucia's arrival at his castle?

L'Innominato plans for an old woman, who was born and raised in his castle, to meet the carriage. She is instructed to help Lucia into a sedan chair and direct the henchmen to take her to L'Innominato's castle without revealing his name.