Romola · Chapter
XLVI: By a Street Lamp explained
Romola encounters Tito outside San Marco and they walk home together.
What happens
Romola encounters Tito outside San Marco and they walk home together. Tito reveals he knows of a plot against Savonarola, but Romola distrusts him. A confrontation ensues where Tito physically restrains Romola from going to warn the Frate, and she threatens to denounce him if harm comes to Savonarola.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
Romola’s repeated reading of the printed Trial marks the emotional and psychological peak because it forces he…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Betrayal and Deception
Romola's distrust of Tito and her fear that he is complicit in a plot to betray Savonarola.
- Female Agency and Marriage
Romola's struggle against her husband's control, her threat to defy him, and her physical subjugation.
- Duty vs. Personal Desire
Romola's internal conflict between her duty as a wife and her moral duty to protect Savonarola.
Characters to notice
- Romola de' Bardi
Confronts Tito about his involvement with Spini's plot, threatens to denounce him, and is physically restrained by her husband.
- Tito Melema
Meets Romola by chance, reveals knowledge of a plot against Savonarola, and uses force to prevent her from intervening.
- Maso
Accompanies Romola with a lantern but is dismissed by Tito.
- Dolfo Spini
Mentioned as the leader of the group Tito avoids and as the mastermind of the plot against Savonarola.
Key passages
“Tito and Romola never jarred, never remonstrated with each other. They were too hopelessly alienated in their inner life ever to have that contest which is an effort towards agreement.”
Tito and Romola avoided open conflict, but their inner estrangement made any real reconciliation impossible.
Describes the emotional distance between the couple.
“If the Frate leaves the city—if any harm happens to him, I will declare what I have heard to the Signoria, and you will be disgraced.”
Romola threatens to expose Tito's involvement in the plot if Savonarola is harmed.
Romola's ultimatum to Tito.
“I am master of you. You shall not set yourself in opposition to me.”
Tito asserts his physical and marital authority over Romola, forbidding her to act against him.
Tito's forceful control over Romola.
