If you have read the June volume of our magazine “Italy Inspired”, you are familiar with the story of The Betrothed! If you haven't read the volume, you can find it clicking here. ⬅️
“The Betrothed” is a historical novel written by Alessandro Manzoni, first published in 1827. This work is considered one of the masterpieces of Italian literature and has had an important influence on the country's culture and language.
The plot unfolds in seventeenth-century Lombardy, following the events of two young lovers, Renzo Tramaglino and Lucia Mondella. The two protagonists wish to marry, but their dream is thwarted by Don Rodrigo, an overbearing nobleman who is enamored with Lucia and does not want the wedding to take place. This initial conflict introduces a series of dramatic events that test the faith and courage of the two young people.
After several attempts to free herself from Don Rodrigo's oppression, Lucia takes refuge in a convent, while Renzo decides to seek justice, but finds himself involved in tumultuous adventures. During his journey, Renzo faces several difficulties, including famine and the plague that hit Milan. These historical events not only affect the characters, but also offer a reflection on the human condition and divine providence.
In the course of the narrative, the protagonists encounter significant figures such as the Unnamed, a bandit who decides to redeem himself and helps Renzo and Lucia reunite. The Nun of Monza is also an important figure in Lucia's story. In the end, after many vicissitudes and sufferings, the two young people finally succeed in fulfilling their dream of love and getting married, representing a victory over oppression and injustice.
But how much do you really know about The Betrothed? Play our quiz and see how much you know about it! Answer the questions and mark true or false! At the bottom, you will find the solutions.
Andiamo! (Let's go!)
1. The title of the novel was originally supposed to be “Fermo and Lucia”, true or false?
2. Don Abbondio's gossipy servant is called Gertrude, true or false?
3. Lucia's mother's name is Agnes, true or false?
4. Renzo's cousin Bartolo lives in Bergamo and works in a spinning mill, true or false?
5. Lucia on her journey, finds herself in Milan during the bread revolt, true or false?
6. At a certain point, Renzo realizes he no longer wants to marry Lucia, true or false?
7. Lucia marries Don Rodrigo, true or false?
8. Renzo and Lucia are originally from the city of Lecco, true or false?
9. Don Rodrigo falls ill with the plague, true or false?
10. The ending of The Betrothed is a dramatic ending, true or false?
Have you marked your answers? Read the solutions below!
1. The title of the novel was originally supposed to be “Fermo and Lucia”, true or false?
True. The title of the novel was originally intended to be “Fermo and Lucia“.
2. Don Abbondio's gossipy servant is called Gertrude, true or false?
False. Don Abbondio's gossipy servant is named Perpetua, not Gertrude.
3. Lucia's mother's name is Agnes, true or false?
True. Lucia's mother's name is Agnes.
4. Renzo's cousin Bartolo lives in Bergamo and works in a spinning mill, true or false?
True. Bartolo lives in Bergamo and works in a spinning mill.
5. Lucia on her journey, finds herself in Milan during the bread revolt, true or false?
False. It was not Lucia who found herself in the revolt, but Renzo.
6. At a certain point, Renzo realizes he no longer wants to marry Lucia, true or false?
False. Renzo remains determined to marry Lucia throughout the story.
7. Lucia marries Don Rodrigo, true or false?
False. At the end of the romance, Lucia marries her beloved Renzo.
8. Renzo and Lucia are originally from the city of Lecco, true or false?
True. They were born and raised in Lecco.
9. Don Rodrigo falls ill with the plague, true or false?
True. Don Rodrigo falls ill with the plague, which serves as a significant plot point in the story.
10. The ending of The Betrothed is a dramatic ending, true or false?
False. Despite their challenges, The Betrothed ends joyfully with Renzo and Lucia finally marrying.
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