After the Divorce · Chapters
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Chapter companions for After the Divorce by Grazia Deledda.
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Chapter 1
Epigraph
The epigraph quotes St. Luke 18:33-34, foreshadowing suffering and a lack of understanding among those who witness it.
Chapter 2
After the Divorce
Giovanna Era has obtained a divorce from Costantino Ledda and married Brontu Dejas. The chapter explores her new life in the Dejas household, her complex feelings about the marriage, and the social dynamics within the community following these events.
Chapter 3
I
Giovanna Era, distraught over her husband Costantino Ledda's impending trial, seeks refuge with the Porru family. The chapter introduces the Porru household, including the student Paolo Porru, and explores themes of grief, social expectation, and the tension between traditional Sardinian values and modern ideas like divorce.
Chapter 4
II
The chapter opens on the morning of Costantino's sentencing. Giovanna awakens with dread, and she and Aunt Bachissia bring him food at the prison. In the courtroom, the defense lawyer speaks, but Costantino interrupts to declare his innocence. The jury returns a sentence of twenty-seven years for the murder of his uncle. Giovanna, overwhelmed, shrieks and is dragged out by Aunt Bachissia. After the verdict, she briefly speaks with Costantino before he is taken away. Later, at Aunt Porredda's house, the family tries to maintain normalcy amid the tragedy, and Giovanna plans to return with her son.
Chapter 5
III
Giovanna Era returns to her village after Costantino Ledda's condemnation, struggling with grief and despair while her mother, Aunt Bachissia, tries to force her to accept the verdict. The journey home is depicted in a desolate landscape, and upon arrival, Giovanna clings to her baby Malthinu, while Aunt Bachissia worries about the watchful eyes of their neighbors, especially Aunt Martina Dejas.
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