(Capitolo 25) Promessi sposi: Analisi

Summary

In this video, Patrick Sharif provides a detailed analysis of Chapter 25 of *The Betrothed* (I Promessi Sposi) by Alessandro Manzoni. He discusses Don Rodrigo’s departure from the village, driven by his fear of encountering the revered Cardinal Borromeo. The chapter also highlights the celebrations surrounding the cardinal's visit, the characterization of nobility figures like Don Ferrante and Donna Prassede, and the criticism of Don Abbondio’s lack of courage. The video offers insights into the contrasting moralities of characters and explores themes of responsibility, fear, and social injustice within the context of 17th-century Italy.

Takeaways

• 😀 Don Rodrigo leaves the village for Milan after being humiliated by the failed kidnapping of Lucia and her subsequent release. He fears public interaction with the Cardinal Borromeo.
• 😀 The villagers’ fear of Don Rodrigo fades, and they begin to openly express their hatred towards him, though they don't confront him directly due to fear of reprisals.
• 😀 Don Rodrigo’s departure is compared to Catiline leaving Rome. Both characters vow to return for vengeance, though Don Rodrigo’s motivations are portrayed as petty and exaggerated.
• 😀 Cardinal Borromeo’s visit to the village is marked by a festive atmosphere, with the village decorated for the occasion. The crowds eagerly await his arrival.
• 😀 The description of Borromeo’s visit is inspired by historical records, illustrating how the crowds could become unruly, almost crushing the Cardinal during his visit.
• 😀 Don Ferrante and Donna Prassede, two nobles, are introduced. Donna Prassede, while seemingly doing good, does so for personal reasons, displaying a grotesque and inappropriate attitude towards helping Lucia.
• 😀 Donna Prassede believes Lucia is a 'bad girl' and attempts to distance her from Renzo, wrongly assuming that Lucia's meek demeanor hides a rebellious nature.
• 😀 The Cardinal reprimands Don Abbondio for failing in his duties, accusing him of cowardice and self-preservation, which reflects the vast moral gap between them.
• 😀 The contrast between the Cardinal Borromeo and Don Abbondio is highlighted—Borromeo is portrayed as noble and morally elevated, while Don Abbondio is cowardly and self-interested.
• 😀 The narrative reflects on the harsh reality that Don Abbondio, while morally culpable, is also a victim of his social and political context, which provides some justification for his behavior.

Q & A

What is Don Rodrigo's reaction to the news of Lucia's release, and why does he leave the village?

Don Rodrigo is shocked and annoyed by the unexpected developments surrounding Lucia's abduction and subsequent release. He decides to leave the village for Milan, not out of fear of the locals but because he wants to avoid encountering Cardinal Borromeo, who is soon to visit the area.

Why do the villagers harbor hatred toward Don Rodrigo, and why do they express it indirectly?

The villagers despise Don Rodrigo due to his actions, but they express their hatred indirectly because they fear retaliation. They dare not confront him directly but instead take out their frustrations on other figures, such as Azzeccagarbugli, whom they openly insult.

How is Don Rodrigo compared to Catiline, and what is the significance of this comparison?

Don Rodrigo's departure from the village is compared to that of Catiline leaving Rome. Both men vow to return for revenge, but the comparison is ironic, highlighting Don Rodrigo's mediocrity compared to the historical Catiline's ambition and stature. This emphasizes Don Rodrigo's insignificance.

What role does Cardinal Borromeo play in the village, and how is his arrival depicted?

Cardinal Borromeo's arrival in the village is a festive event. The town is decorated in his honor, and a large crowd gathers to greet him. This scene mirrors historical descriptions of Borromeo’s pastoral visits, where the public eagerly surrounds him, sometimes causing chaos.

What is the character of Donna Prassede, and how does her view of Lucia affect her actions?

Donna Prassede is depicted as a noblewoman who tries to help Lucia but does so in a self-righteous and inappropriate manner. She believes Lucia is a bad girl who has fallen for Renzo, and she tries to force Lucia to forget him, inadvertently causing Lucia more distress.

How does the narrative contrast the actions and values of Cardinal Borromeo and Don Abbondio?

Cardinal Borromeo is portrayed as a figure of moral and spiritual authority, dedicated to his pastoral duties, while Don Abbondio is depicted as cowardly and self-serving, prioritizing his safety over his duties as a priest. This contrast highlights their differing characters and moral responsibilities.

Why does Don Abbondio feel justified in failing to act on his duties, and how does this relate to the broader context of the story?

Don Abbondio justifies his failure to act due to the fear and dangers posed by figures like Don Rodrigo. This reflects the broader theme of individuals being trapped by their social and political environments, where justice and authority are often corrupted or absent.

What does Cardinal Borromeo reprimand Don Abbondio for, and how does Don Abbondio react?

Cardinal Borromeo reprimands Don Abbondio for failing to carry out his duty, including not seeking divine courage and not sacrificing himself for his parishioners. Don Abbondio, in contrast, finds the cardinal’s expectations unreasonable and incomprehensible.

How does Manzoni’s portrayal of Don Abbondio align with Christian-Jansenist thought?

Manzoni portrays Don Abbondio as morally culpable for his failure to act, reflecting the Christian-Jansenist emphasis on personal responsibility and moral accountability. Despite the difficult circumstances, Don Abbondio had the freedom to choose between cowardice and heroism, and his choice is seen as a moral failure.

Why does the modern reader find Cardinal Borromeo's reprimands to Don Abbondio disproportionate, and what is the purpose of this portrayal?

The modern reader may find the reprimands excessive because they fail to consider the harsh realities of Don Abbondio’s situation. However, the portrayal emphasizes the moral expectations placed on individuals, especially those in positions of authority, and critiques the failure of institutions to support individuals in such environments.