(Capitolo 33) Promessi Sposi: Riassunto

Summary

In Chapter 33 of *I Promessi Sposi*, Don Rodrigo begins to experience troubling symptoms of the plague after a night of revelry. His suspicions are confirmed when he discovers a boil under his arm, and he is eventually taken by the monatti to the lazaretto. Meanwhile, Renzo, who has been in hiding under a false identity, learns of the plague's spread and returns to his village, hoping to find Lucia. Along the way, he encounters various individuals affected by the disease, including his mentally-unstable friend Tonio. Renzo’s search for Lucia continues, marked by the devastating impact of the plague on society.

Takeaways

• 😀 A guide to 'I Promessi Sposi' is now available, offering a clear analysis of characters, themes, and chapters for students preparing for exams or assignments.
• 😀 Don Rodrigo, after a night out, begins experiencing symptoms that make him fear he has contracted the plague.
• 😀 Despite feeling unwell, Don Rodrigo dismisses the idea of the plague, attributing his symptoms to wine and the heat.
• 😀 Don Rodrigo has a disturbing dream where he encounters Friar Cristoforo, who ominously points at the crowd, reminding Rodrigo of a past conflict.
• 😀 Upon waking, Don Rodrigo discovers a plague boil under his left armpit, which sends him into a panic as he fears for his life.
• 😀 Don Rodrigo, now fearing the worst, asks his servant, Griso, to fetch a doctor in secret but is left waiting in dread.
• 😀 Two plague carriers, known as 'monatti,' arrive to take Don Rodrigo to the lazaretto, and he realizes he has been betrayed by Griso.
• 😀 Griso, motivated by greed, later contracts the plague himself after handling Don Rodrigo's contaminated clothing, and dies during his own journey to the lazaretto.
• 😀 A flashback reveals that Renzo has been hiding in a textile factory under the name Antonio Rivolta, where he avoids the plague outbreak in Milan.
• 😀 Renzo, now immune to the plague after having recovered, plans to return to Milan to learn the fate of Lucia and to resolve the situation regarding the vow she made.

Q & A

What is the significance of Don Rodrigo's symptoms in Chapter 33?

Don Rodrigo's symptoms of heaviness, difficulty breathing, and internal heat initially suggest he is suffering from the plague, which highlights the fear and chaos brought on by the epidemic during this time.

How does Don Rodrigo react to his worsening condition?

Initially, Don Rodrigo dismisses his symptoms, attributing them to wine and summer heat. However, his fear grows when he discovers a painful buboe under his left armpit, confirming his worst fear of having contracted the plague.

What is the significance of Don Rodrigo's dream in this chapter?

Don Rodrigo's dream symbolizes his growing anxiety and fear of death, showing his subconscious connection to the plague. The appearance of Fra Cristoforo in the dream represents guilt and the inevitable punishment he feels for his past actions.

What role does the Griso play in Don Rodrigo's situation?

The Griso acts as Don Rodrigo's servant but is also portrayed as self-interested and fearful of the plague. He refuses to assist Don Rodrigo by fetching a doctor, showcasing the widespread fear and mistrust surrounding the epidemic.

How does the Griso's greed impact the events in Chapter 33?

The Griso's greed leads him to steal from Don Rodrigo's room after he is taken away by the monatti. This ultimately causes the Griso to contract the plague, leading to his eventual death.

Why does Renzo decide to return to Milan despite the dangers of the plague?

Renzo decides to return to Milan because he is immune to the plague after having recovered from it. He also seeks to learn about Lucia's fate and fulfill his promise to her, despite the risks.

What does Renzo discover about Don Rodrigo when he meets with Don Abbondio?

Renzo learns from Don Abbondio that Don Rodrigo is no longer in the city, having been taken away due to the plague. This news alleviates Renzo's immediate fear of encountering his former antagonist.

How does Renzo react when he encounters Tonio, who has gone mad due to the plague?

Renzo is deeply saddened and distressed when he recognizes Tonio, who has been driven insane by the plague. Tonio's repetitive and disjointed speech shows the psychological toll the epidemic has taken on individuals.

What is Renzo's state of mind as he revisits his hometown?

Renzo is filled with sorrow and nostalgia as he revisits his hometown, particularly reflecting on the events surrounding his failed marriage and the devastation caused by the plague.

How does the narrative in this chapter reflect the theme of social upheaval due to the plague?

The narrative emphasizes the chaos and fear caused by the plague, as it disrupts the lives of individuals and communities. Characters like Don Rodrigo and Renzo navigate through a world that is increasingly unpredictable and dangerous due to the epidemic.