The Charterhouse of Parma

Chapter 20 provides a famous line of nineteenth-century literature: “Politics in a literary work are a pistol-shot in the middle of a concert.” Apply this quote to the novel itself to consider the harmony or lack thereof between politics and literature. Use textual evidence to argue either that the two are easily combined, radically opposed, or distinct sections in the novel. Make sure to contextualize the quote from Chapter 20 as you consider its applicability.

The Charterhouse of Parma has been called several novels in one. Distinguish and describe at least three distinct types of styles or sections in the book. You might suggest that the three or more distinctions come together by means of a common element; if so, explain what that element is, using textual evidence. You also might suggest that one or another distinction is dominant, while the rest are subordinate or fall away. In this case, explain why the other distinctions were used at all, what work they did, or why they fell away.

In what ways can you observe the consequences of repressed revolution and the restoration of the monarchy in the lives of the major characters?

Stendhal more than once described his life’s philosophy with three words: a logique, le bonheur, l’espirt—reason, happiness, wit. Being sure to focus on narrative tone and style, describe how this philosophy appears in the novel.

Fabrizio del Dongo believes in omens, but does the novel itself argue that lives are predestined, or that signs of the future can be read into the images of the present? Explain your answer with textual evidence.

Two major polarities in the novel are active participation in life as it is, and retreat from the common world. Discuss one symbol or theme as well as one character that is associated with each polarity. Are these polarities consistently held apart as opposites, or are they integrated? Make your argument with textual evidence.

The novel begins just as the spirit of revolution fades and monarchy comes to reign again in Italy and across Europe. Nevertheless, there are still characters and moments where the ideal of republicanism remains strong. How is the specter of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars significant to your understanding of the novel as a whole? Name and analyze at least two characters or moments in your answer.

What significance do the visual arts and the performing arts have for the major themes of the novel? You may pick one or discuss both, but make sure to list at least three concrete instances of either in your answer.