The Betrothed, Essay Example

The book ‘i promessi spossi’ (the betrothed by Manzoni, portrays a number of very interesting and colorful  characters. The book is recognized as being one of the most accomplished Italian works. The work was inspired by Sir Walter Scott’s  Ivanhoe.  The focus of this review is on RENZO[1] and his behaviour; being a young silk weaver of working class origin. Renzo is engaged to Lucia who he is devoted too. The novel initially portray Renzo as a naive character but as the story progresses we observe his sense of cunning in terms of getting himself out of a number of potential difficult situations.  He later becomes separated from Lucia, having been unjustly branded as a criminal. Renzo has a short temper and gets angry quickly but overall he is portrayed as a kind, gentle and honest character.

Renzo sees most of his troubles when he gets into a heated street debate in Milan. The police mark him out as a potential trouble maker and use him as a scapegoat.  Renzo is fooled into giving a police agent his name and address. The next morning he is disturbed by bailiffs who proceed in promptly arresting him and marching him off to prison.  Renzo protests loudly and with the aid of a number of sympathetic onlookers he managers wistfully to escape.

News of Renzos disgrace comes to the attention of Lucia but she equally learns that he has escaped and is safe with his cousin where he is now known as Antonio Rivolta.

[1] The Silk Weaver in The betrothed by Manzoni