The Betrothed: I Promessi Sposi

The Betrothed (I Promessi Sposi), published in 1827 and revised in 1842, is a historical novel by Italian author Alessandro Manzoni. The novel follows two young lovers, Renzo and Lucia, in 1600s Lombardy; their courtship is derailed by a jealous plot to prevent their marriage, ultimately leading them to the plague-stricken city of Milan, where they face many struggles. The Betrothed is heralded as one of the most important and widely read Italian novels.

This guide uses Michael F. Moore’s translation of The Betrothed.

Plot Summary

The Betrothed is set in Lombardy, the area surrounding Milan. Lombardy is under the control of the Spanish Empire and borders the Republic of Venice. Renzo and Lucia are a young Lombardian couple who plan to marry. Their priest, Don Abbondio, is a fretful and anxious man who, while walking home along a winding mountain path, encounters two bravi, or hired thugs who work for the rich and powerful. The bravi tell Don Abbondio that their master, Don Rodrigo, forbids the marriage between Renzo and Lucia, and they threaten Don Abbondio’s life. The next day, when Renzo arrives for his wedding, he is surprised to hear from the agitated priest that it is postponed. He learns that Don Rodrigo is interested in Lucia and subsequently delayed their marriage.

Renzo plans an impromptu wedding: The law says the he and Lucia can simply declare themselves married in front of a priest and two witnesses. Their plans go awry, and Don Rodrigo sends his bravi to break into Lucia’s home, but she is not there. Renzo and Lucia must venture elsewhere to marry, so a respected local priest named Fra Cristoforo sends them to a friar in Milan via boat.

When Renzo arrives in Milan, the city is famine-stricken. He searches the monastery for the friar but does not find him. Renzo witnesses a mob destroying a local bakery and attempting to attack the Commissioner of Supply. However, the Grand Chancellor arrives in a coach to take the Commissioner to prison. Renzo helps the Grand Chancellor through the crowd, becoming a recognizable figure to the public. Later, Renzo stops at a nearby inn, where he is given a lot to drink and reveals his name and address. The next morning, a notary and two bailiffs take him away in handcuffs. Renzo causes a ruckus in the street, claiming that he is being unjustly persecuted for his actions the previous day; sympathetic onlookers help him escape. Renzo leaves Milan, heading for the border to Bergamo, where his cousin Bortolo lives.

Renzo learns that a warrant for his arrest is being widely circulated. He quickens his journey, realizing that he is in grave danger. Lucia receives news of the warrant at the convent where she is staying, but she is assured that Renzo is safe with his cousin. Don Rodrigo devises a plan to kidnap Lucia from the convent. He hires a man called the Nameless One to use his connection with an influential nun, known as the Signora, to arrange for Lucia to venture outside alone. Lucia is taken into the street and tossed into a coach. After a harrowing journey, Lucia arrives at the Nameless One’s castle, where she is locked in a room.

Tormented by his actions and the sight of Lucia, the Nameless One has trouble sleeping that night. Lucia also lies awake, fretting about her fate and vowing that if she survives this, she will become a nun. When morning comes, the Nameless One sees people heading to meet the famous Archbishop of Milan. The Nameless One is inspired to mend his ways. He renounces his past, allows Lucia to go free, and gives Lucia and her mother money to start a new life.

Renzo hears about Lucia’s vow and resolves to change her mind. However, the chaos of the 30 Years’ War reaches Lombardy. While Lucia and her mother seek refuge in the Nameless One’s castle, Renzo witnesses the plague decimating the people of Milan. In his pursuit of Lucia, he recovers from the plague and learns that she is in one of the city’s hospitals. There, he finds Fra Cristoforo, who convinces him to abandon his desire for bloody revenge against Don Rodrigo, who is now dying from the plague. Renzo finds Lucia, who has also survived the plague. Fra Cristoforo reveals that Lucia’s vow to Renzo predates her vow to God, so she is freed from her promise. Renzo and Lucia marry and start their new life.