(Capitolo 11) Promessi sposi: Riassunto dettagliato

Summary

In this video summary of Chapter 11 of *I Promessi Sposi*, Don Rodrigo struggles with the aftermath of his failed abduction plot against Lucia. While he remains confident in his power, his henchman Griso is tasked with managing the fallout, including silencing local authorities and gathering information. As rumors spread, the lives of Renzo and Lucia become a topic of gossip. Renzo’s journey to Milan is marked by his encounter with a bread riot, reflecting the social unrest of the time. This chapter highlights themes of power, deception, and the impact of rumors in a tense, changing society.

Takeaways

• 😀 Don Rodrigo is anxious and waiting for the return of his henchmen, the Grigio and the Bravi, to learn the outcome of Lucia's kidnapping.
• 😀 The attempted kidnapping of Lucia fails, and Don Rodrigo suspects there may be a spy in his house, but the Grigio reassures him there is none.
• 😀 Don Rodrigo orders the Grigio to carry out three tasks: threaten the local consul, send two henchmen to keep watch at the farmhouse, and gather information about public opinion in the village.
• 😀 The Grigio's failure to find any useful information causes Don Rodrigo to feel both insulted and motivated to strengthen his control over the situation.
• 😀 Don Rodrigo's cousin, Attilio, reacts to the failure of the kidnapping by suggesting that Fra Cristoforo is involved, and promises to resolve the matter with help from the powerful Count Zio.
• 😀 The locals are gossiping about the disappearance of three people and the strange events that happened the night before, leading to confusion and mixed rumors.
• 😀 The two brothers, Gervaso and Tonio, play a role in spreading rumors, with Gervaso feeling important and wanting to share the secret, while Tonio forces him to keep quiet to avoid further trouble.
• 😀 The Grigio uncovers that Lucia and Renzo tried to secretly marry and are now hiding in different places: Lucia and Agnese in Pescarenico, Renzo in Milan.
• 😀 Don Rodrigo orders the Grigio to investigate further, but the Grigio hesitates to go to Monza due to a lack of recognition there, angering Don Rodrigo who sends him off to carry out the task.
• 😀 Renzo arrives in Milan and notices signs of unrest, including long lines of flour, a food shortage, and rising tension among the people, all of which contribute to the city's brewing revolt.

Q & A

What is Don Rodrigo's main concern at the beginning of Chapter 11?

Don Rodrigo is primarily concerned about the failure of Lucia's abduction and the possibility that he may be discovered for his actions. He also worries about the potential consequences of the failed kidnapping.

What instructions does Don Rodrigo give to Griso?

Don Rodrigo gives Griso three main instructions: to threaten the local console to keep quiet, to monitor a farmhouse where Lucia was supposed to be hidden, and to blend into the crowd to gather information about what people are saying about the recent events.

How does Don Rodrigo react to Griso's report about the failed kidnapping?

Don Rodrigo becomes furious but ultimately praises Griso for his effort, acknowledging that he did a good job in executing the mission despite the failure.

What does the town think about the disappearance of Lucia and Renzo?

The town is in chaos due to the disappearance of Lucia and Renzo. Many rumors are circulating, with some people speculating about the nature of the events, while others are trying to figure out what happened. Perpetua, the gossipy character, struggles to keep quiet about the situation.

Why does Agnese struggle to keep the secret of Lucia and Renzo's marriage?

Agnese struggles because she is questioned by others, and her tendency to gossip makes it difficult to keep the secret. However, she does manage to maintain some discretion, though the news still spreads.

What role does the figure of the 'pellegrino' (pilgrim) play in the events of Chapter 11?

The 'pellegrino' is a mysterious figure whose role is unclear to the townspeople. Some believe he is a ghost, others see him as a good soul who helped Lucia, while some think he might be an accomplice of the bravi (henchmen). His true identity is known only to Griso.

How does Don Rodrigo find out where Lucia and Renzo are hiding?

Griso learns from a series of conversations between townspeople that Lucia and Renzo are hiding in Pescarenico. The information is passed along by a person who overheard others talking about the situation.

Why does Don Rodrigo send Griso to Monza instead of Milan?

Don Rodrigo sends Griso to Monza because he believes the city will offer more protection, while Milan might be too dangerous for Griso due to the lack of recognition of his master's influence there.

What is Renzo's reaction when he arrives in Milan and sees the city in turmoil?

Renzo is initially struck by the sight of the city's unrest, which he believes is caused by the bakers hoarding flour. He feels a sense of happiness, thinking the turmoil might improve his situation, but still decides to avoid trouble by heading to the convent of the Capuchins.

What significant event occurs at the Capuchin convent in Chapter 11?

When Renzo arrives at the Capuchin convent and seeks out Father Bonaventura, he learns that the father is not available. Renzo decides to wait in the church, but his curiosity about the riot leads him to leave and observe the situation in the city instead.