(Capitolo 20) Promessi Sposi: Riassunto

Letteratura Italiana - Patrick Cherif

9 Dec 202017:37

Summary

TLDRIn 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.

Outlines

00:00

🏰 Introduction to the Fortress and its Inaccessibility

The script begins with a description of an unnamed castle situated on a hill at the border between the Milanese and Bergamo regions, which belonged to the Republic of Venice. The castle is depicted as an impregnable fortress, accessible only from one side due to steep cliffs on the other. It overlooks a valley and a stream that serves as a natural border between two states. The castle is well-guarded and can only be approached by a single winding road with an inn acting as a checkpoint. The inn is named 'La Notte' (The Night), despite having a bright sun as its sign. The story introduces Don Rodrigo, who, upon approaching the inn, is recognized by one of the guards and is allowed to proceed to the castle after presenting gold coins. The castle's inaccessibility and the strict guard detail highlight its importance and the formidable nature of its lord.

05:03

🤝 Don Rodrigo's Mission and the Commitment of L'Innominato

In this paragraph, Don Rodrigo seeks the help of L'Innominato, a character known for his past crimes and feared by many. Don Rodrigo explains his problem, which involves a matter of honor, and asks for assistance in kidnapping Lucia. L'Innominato, despite his initial reluctance, agrees to the task, confident in the support of his accomplice, Egidio. However, L'Innominato is also grappling with a newfound fear of death and an internal struggle with his conscience, which he hides from others. He contacts Egidio through a trusted courier, the Nibbio, who is tasked with organizing the kidnapping plot. Egidio assures L'Innominato that the plan is feasible, involving a carriage and a few disguised men. The paragraph concludes with L'Innominato's decision to proceed with the kidnapping, despite his inner turmoil.

10:03

🚔 The Kidnapping Scheme and the Complicity of Gertrude

The script continues with the detailed plan for Lucia's kidnapping. Gertrude, a character who is both a lover and accomplice of Egidio, is coerced into participating in the scheme. Despite her initial revulsion, Gertrude agrees to betray Lucia due to her involvement in a previous crime and her loyalty to Egidio. Gertrude manipulates Lucia into leaving the convent under the pretense of a secret mission, instructing her to meet the guardian of the Capuchin convent. Lucia, although initially resistant, is eventually persuaded to undertake the task, unaware of the trap that awaits her. The paragraph describes the careful orchestration of the kidnapping, including the involvement of a decoy and the use of a carriage to abduct Lucia.

15:03

🛣️ Lucia's Abduction and the Journey to L'Innominato's Castle

This paragraph narrates the actual abduction of Lucia. As she leaves the convent and makes her way to the Capuchin convent, she is intercepted by the Nibbio and his accomplices. They forcibly take her into a carriage, despite her screams and attempts to escape. The script describes the terror and confusion Lucia experiences during the abduction, as well as the efforts of her captors to keep her calm and prevent her from escaping. Meanwhile, L'Innominato anxiously awaits Lucia's arrival at his castle, feeling a mix of anticipation and revulsion. The paragraph ends with the arrival of the carriage at the castle, where a mysterious old woman, who has known L'Innominato's power and malevolence, is instructed to assist in bringing Lucia into the castle without revealing L'Innominato's identity.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Innominato

The term 'Innominato' refers to an unnamed or anonymous character in the story. In the context of the video, 'Innominato' is a mysterious figure who owns an impregnable castle and is involved in a plot that unfolds throughout the chapter. The character's anonymity adds intrigue to the narrative, as viewers are left to wonder about his identity and motives.

💡Castle

A castle is a large fortified building or group of buildings. In the script, the castle of the 'Innominato' is depicted as a stronghold situated on a hilltop, accessible from only one side due to steep cliffs on the other. It symbolizes power and inaccessibility, playing a central role in the setting of the story and serving as a backdrop for the unfolding drama.

💡Valle

Valle, meaning 'valley' in Italian, is used to describe the geographical location of the castle. The valley is mentioned as being on the border between Milan and Bergamo, which adds a historical and geographical context to the story. It sets the scene for the events that take place and influences the dynamics between characters.

💡Garnigione

Garnigione refers to a garrison, which is a group of soldiers stationed in a particular place. In the video, the castle is surrounded by a 'guarnigione di bravi,' meaning a group of skilled and loyal soldiers, emphasizing the strength and security of the castle's defenses.

💡Don Rodrigo

Don Rodrigo is a character who is seeking help from the 'Innominato.' His name suggests nobility or a high social status. In the script, he is involved in a plot that requires the 'Innominato's' assistance, which revolves around a matter of honor. His interactions with other characters drive the narrative forward.

💡Rapimento

Rapimento, meaning 'kidnapping' in Italian, is a key event in the story. The script describes a plan to kidnap Lucia, which is central to the plot. The term is used to illustrate the lengths to which characters are willing to go to achieve their goals, adding tension and conflict to the story.

💡Egidio

Egidio is another character mentioned in the script who is involved in the kidnapping plot. He is described as having a complicit relationship with a character named Gertrude, who is a monastic figure. Egidio's role in the story is crucial as he is instrumental in facilitating the kidnapping plan.

💡Lucia

Lucia is the character who is targeted for kidnapping in the plot. Her name is mentioned in the context of a plan that Don Rodrigo discusses with the 'Innominato.' The kidnapping of Lucia is a pivotal event that likely has significant consequences for the story's development.

💡Nibbio

Nibbio, which translates to 'hawk' in English, is used as a code name or nickname for a character involved in the kidnapping plot. The term is indicative of the character's role as a messenger and possibly a key operative in the plan, highlighting the clandestine nature of the operation.

💡Gertrude

Gertrude is a character who is in a compromising position due to her involvement in a past crime. She is described as being an unwilling accomplice in the kidnapping of Lucia, driven by her loyalty to her lover, Egidio. Her character adds moral complexity to the story, as she is torn between her feelings and the actions she is compelled to take.

💡Monastero

Monastero means 'monastery' in Italian and is used to describe the setting where Lucia resides. The monastery is portrayed as a place of safety and seclusion, which contrasts with the dangerous world outside. The kidnapping plot unfolds as Lucia is lured away from the monastery, marking a significant turning point in the narrative.

Highlights

Introduction to Chapter 20 summary for book purchasers, emphasizing the use of the summary for reconstructing the plot and identifying key scenes.

Description of the castle's location on a hilltop at the border between Milan and Bergamo, part of the Venetian Republic.

The castle is depicted as an impregnable fortress, accessible only from one side due to steep cliffs on the other.

Mention of an inn named 'La Notte' serving as a guard post on the only road leading to the castle.

Don Rodrigo's arrival at the inn and the encounter with armed men, leading to his recognition by one of the braves.

Don Rodrigo's request for help from the unnamed lord, explaining a matter of honor involving Cristoforo, an enemy of tyrants.

The unnamed lord's acceptance of the mission to kidnap Lucia, despite recognizing the difficulty due to her protectors.

The unnamed lord's internal conflict, feeling a growing sense of guilt and fear of death, which is new to him.

The unnamed lord's decision to involve Egidio in the kidnapping plot, leveraging his complicity and resources.

Egidio's confidence in the success of the kidnapping, due to the involvement of Gertrude, a complicit nun from the convent.

Gertrude's reluctant agreement to betray Lucia, driven by her involvement in previous crimes and loyalty to her lover, Egidio.

Lucia's departure from the convent, manipulated by Gertrude under the guise of a secret mission to summon a guardian priest.

The abduction of Lucia by the unnamed lord's men, including the use of a carriage and the involvement of a spy.

Lucia's struggle and attempts to escape during the kidnapping, met with force and threats from her captors.

The unnamed lord's anticipation and anxiety as he awaits Lucia's arrival at his castle, reflecting on his actions.

Instructions given to an old woman, a loyal servant of the unnamed lord, to assist in bringing Lucia to the castle discreetly.

The unnamed lord's final orders to the old woman to encourage Lucia without revealing his identity.

Closing remarks about the chapter's video and a teaser for the next chapter.