Duchessa di Paliano by Stendhal. Short summary

5 seconds

The husband cheated on the duchess a thousand times. But when she fell in love and gave in to her feelings, Di Palliano killed her lover and then, at the family’s demand, strangled his wife as well, to wash away the shame of the family.

1 minute

The tale is part of the «Italian Chronicles» series.

The three nephews of Pope Paul IV—the cardinal and first minister, the commander-in-chief of the Holy See and the captain of the palace guard—committed various atrocities in Rome. Their greatest weakness was beautiful women, whom they abducted even from monasteries.

The commander-in-chief of the troops, the Duke of Palliano, married Violante de Cardona, of a noble Catalan family. After a particularly loud scandal, the Pope sent the Duke into exile — to his manor in Soriano. With him went his wife and his entourage, among whom one Marcello Capecce was notable for his beauty and intelligence.

Marcello Capecce frequently visited the ladies and served them. The Duchess’ confidante, Diana Brancaccio, arranged for no one to disturb Violante and Marcello. Soon the young people fell in love with each other and indulged in passion. Diana, out of selfish motives, immediately reported the betrayal to Violante’s husband.

The Duke killed Marcello. At a family council it was decided to strangle the adulteress to wash away the shame from the family. Violante is murdered.