(Capitolo 17) Promessi Sposi: Riassunto

Summary

In this video, Patrick Sedi provides a detailed summary of Chapter 17 of *The Betrothed* by Alessandro Manzoni, focusing on Renzo's journey to Milan. After leaving Gorgonzola, Renzo encounters various challenges, from overcoming fear in a dark forest to navigating the treacherous Adda River. He meets a fisherman who helps him cross to the other side, where Renzo experiences a mix of relief and sadness. Once in Bergamo, Renzo is welcomed by his cousin Bortolo, who offers help during tough times. Through faith and perseverance, Renzo finds hope for a better future.

Takeaways

• 😀 Renzo leaves his home in Gorgonzola, facing internal conflict and fear as he begins his journey to Milan.
• 😀 Renzo struggles with two desires: to run quickly and to remain hidden, fearing for his safety.
• 😀 Along his journey, Renzo encounters physical and emotional challenges, including cold, fatigue, and fear of the unknown.
• 😀 Renzo finds himself in a dark forest, recalling childhood stories that frighten him, but he manages to overcome his fear by reciting prayers.
• 😀 After a long and restless night in a hayloft, Renzo reflects on his past and the people he's encountered, including those who have wronged him.
• 😀 The next morning, Renzo finds a fisherman who helps him cross the Adda River, marking a key turning point in his journey.
• 😀 Upon crossing the river, Renzo realizes he is now in Venetian territory, bringing him a sense of relief and a newfound optimism.
• 😀 Renzo travels to Bergamo, witnessing the effects of the famine, including beggars and impoverished families, which causes him initial worry about his future.
• 😀 Renzo’s faith in providence grows stronger as he feels reassured that he will find work, especially after recalling his well-off cousin, Bortolo.
• 😀 Renzo experiences an emotional mix of joy and sadness, knowing he has left loved ones behind but feeling hope for the future as he moves forward.
• 😀 When Renzo meets his cousin Bortolo in Bergamo, he receives help and guidance, finding work in a local factory and gaining hope for his future with Lucia.

Q & A

What internal conflict does Renzo face as he begins his journey to Milan?

Renzo is torn between the desire to run quickly and the fear of being caught. He also worries about being mistaken for a fugitive or a thief, which causes him to hesitate and reflect on his next steps.

Why does Renzo choose not to stop at the nearby farmhouses despite his exhaustion?

Renzo fears that the farmers might either mistake him for a fugitive or assume he is a thief, so he decides to keep moving in search of the Adda River instead of seeking refuge in a farmhouse.

How does Renzo manage to overcome his fear while walking through the forest?

Renzo recites prayers to comfort himself and push away the fear instilled by childhood stories. Despite the dark and eerie surroundings, he calms himself and continues on his path.

What motivates Renzo to cross the Adda River even though he is aware of the danger?

Renzo's determination to continue his journey and reach safety outweighs the risks of crossing the river, especially since he believes he can find a way to safely cross by waiting for daylight.

How does Renzo feel when he eventually finds a way to cross the Adda River?

Renzo feels immense joy and relief when he successfully finds a fisherman who agrees to ferry him across the river. His optimism is further bolstered by the peaceful crossing and the knowledge that he is leaving behind the danger he faced.

What is Renzo's attitude toward his current situation when he arrives in Bergamo?

Renzo is cautiously optimistic about his future. Although he is initially concerned about the famine and his lack of money, he trusts in the providence and his cousin's support to help him find work and stability.

What kind of work does Renzo hope to find in Bergamo, and why?

Renzo hopes to find a job at a spinning mill (filatoio), where he can earn money, save up, and eventually bring Lucia and Agnese to join him. He dreams of leading a peaceful, happy life with them in Bergamo.

How does Renzo react when he first learns about the local custom of calling Milanese 'baggiani'?

Renzo is initially offended by the term 'baggiani,' which means 'foolish' or 'simpleton.' However, after his cousin Bortolo explains the widespread use of the term, Renzo reluctantly accepts it, realizing that challenging the custom would lead to violence.

What role does Renzo's cousin Bortolo play in helping him upon his arrival in Bergamo?

Bortolo helps Renzo by offering him a place to stay, promising assistance in finding work, and introducing him to potential employers. He also reassures Renzo that things will get better despite the current hardships.

How does Renzo's attitude toward the concept of providence evolve throughout the chapter?

Renzo becomes more trusting in providence as the chapter progresses. Initially worried about his uncertain future, he starts to believe that divine guidance is helping him, especially after he finds work and his situation improves.