(Capitolo 21) Promessi Sposi: Riassunto

Key Concepts:

• Innominato's internal conflict
• Lucia's captivity and prayer
• Nibbio's compassion
• Moral awakening
• Vow of chastity
• Divine intervention
• Redemption

1. Lucia's Capture and Confinement:

• The old woman ("la vecchia") efficiently executes the Innominato's orders, demonstrating his absolute authority.
• Lucia is transported to the Innominato's castle in a litter ("portantina").
• Lucia's initial resistance is subdued by Nibbio's threat.
• During the journey, Lucia pleads for freedom and invokes the name of Mary, which stirs a faint memory of light in the old woman.

2. Nibbio's Compassion and its Impact:

• Nibbio confesses to feeling compassion for Lucia, shocking the Innominato.
• Nibbio describes compassion as akin to fear, a loss of his hardened nature.
• The Innominato is deeply disturbed by Nibbio's unexpected emotion, questioning the force behind it.

3. The Innominato's Internal Turmoil:

• The Innominato struggles with the idea of Lucia possessing either a demonic or angelic force.
• He initially plans to deliver Lucia to Don Rodrigo but is internally conflicted.
• The Innominato's desire to see Lucia reveals a shift in his character.

4. The Confrontation Between the Innominato and Lucia:

• The Innominato finds Lucia huddled on the floor, prompting anger towards the old woman.
• Lucia's pleas for mercy and freedom, invoking God's name, further agitate the Innominato.
• Lucia's argument that God forgives through acts of mercy resonates with the Innominato.
• The Innominato acknowledges Lucia's innocence, contrasting her with his enemies.
• He offers a vague "domattina" (tomorrow), hinting at potential hope.
• He instructs the old woman to care for Lucia, displaying unexpected gentleness.

5. Lucia's Prayer and Vow:

• Lucia, left alone, is in a state of delirium and fear.
• She recalls the day's events, leading to intense anguish.
• Lucia decides to make a vow to the Virgin Mary, sacrificing her love for Renzo in exchange for salvation.
• She promises to remain a virgin and not marry Renzo.
• After making the vow, Lucia feels a renewed sense of hope and interprets the Innominato's "domattina" as a promise of rescue.

6. The Innominato's Night of Crisis:

• The Innominato is unable to sleep, haunted by Lucia's image and words.
• He struggles with the pity he felt for her, viewing it as weakness.
• He attempts to recall past acts of cruelty but finds no solace, only terror and regret.
• He contemplates freeing Lucia but is ashamed of his wavering resolve.
• The Innominato questions his commitment to Don Rodrigo, recognizing it as a result of his ingrained evil.
• He examines his past misdeeds, experiencing them through a newly awakened conscience.

7. The Innominato's Suicidal Thoughts and Turning Point:

• The Innominato, in despair, considers suicide but is deterred by the thought of his enemies' joy and the cowardice of the act.
• He is tormented by the possibility of an afterlife and divine judgment.
• Lucia's words, "Dio perdona tante cose per un'opera di misericordia," echo in his mind with authority, transforming her into a potential source of grace.
• He experiences a strong desire to free Lucia and even escort her to her mother.

8. The Innominato's Dawn and the Sound of Bells:

• The Innominato is torn between his desire to free Lucia and his fear of the future.
• He considers fleeing to a new country but also fears the return of his old self.
• He is anxious about facing his men, anticipating their judgment.
• At dawn, he hears festive bells and sees a crowd heading in one direction, sparking his curiosity.
• He sends a bravo to investigate the cause of the commotion.

9. Key Quotes:

• Nibbio: "La compassione è come la paura e una volta che la si è provata non si è più uomini." (Compassion is like fear, and once you've felt it, you're no longer a man.)
• Lucia: "Dio perdona tante cose per un'opera di misericordia." (God forgives many things for an act of mercy.)

10. Technical Terms and Concepts:

• Innominato: The unnamed, powerful lord, a central figure undergoing moral transformation.
• Bravi: Hired thugs or henchmen, representing the Innominato's power and control.
• Portantina: A litter or sedan chair, used for transporting Lucia.
• Voto di castità: A vow of chastity, Lucia's promise to remain a virgin.

Synthesis/Conclusion:

Chapter 21 of I Promessi Sposi marks a pivotal turning point in the novel. Lucia's capture triggers a profound moral crisis within the Innominato, forcing him to confront his past actions and question his identity. Nibbio's unexpected compassion serves as a catalyst for the Innominato's internal conflict. Lucia's faith and vow of chastity represent a powerful force for good, offering the Innominato a potential path to redemption. The chapter concludes with the Innominato on the verge of transformation, his future uncertain but filled with the possibility of change. The sound of the bells and the sight of the crowd hint at a larger force at play, suggesting a divine intervention that will further shape the Innominato's destiny.