Colomba: Analysis of Major Characters
"Colomba" is a compelling narrative centered around themes of revenge, justice, and familial loyalty, set against the backdrop of Corsican culture. The main character, Colomba della Rebbia, is driven by a desire for vengeance against her family's blood enemy, Barricini, whom she believes is responsible for her father's murder. Despite being confronted with the complexities of truth and innocence, Colomba remains resolute in her pursuit of revenge, refusing to sympathize with Barricini even when he confesses to his deceit. Her brother, Lieutenant Orso della Rebbia, represents a contrasting moral stance; he rejects Colomba's violent demands and instead seeks to uphold the law, despite facing accusations himself.
The narrative also introduces other significant characters, such as Colonel Sir Thomas Nevil, who aids in clarifying Orso's innocence, and Lydia Nevil, who advocates for justice through lawful means rather than personal vendettas. The interactions among these characters highlight the tension between personal honor and societal justice, while exploring the impact of Corsican customs on individual choices. Overall, "Colomba" presents a rich exploration of the consequences of vengeance and the struggle between familial loyalty and ethical responsibility.
Colomba: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Prosper Mérimée
First published: 1841 (English translation, 1853)
Genre: Novel
Locale: Corsica
Plot: Adventure
Time: Early nineteenth century
Colomba della Rebbia (koh-LOHM-bah dehl-lah REHB-bee-ah), who demands the death of her family's blood enemy, Barricini, for the murder of her father. She considers the evidence of his innocence faked. She vainly tries to rouse her brother to murder him. Later, she learns from the broken Barricini that he had indeed faked the proof of his innocence. She feels no sympathy for him in his adversity; instead, she finds satisfaction in the belief that her father's blood is thus avenged.
Lieutenant Orso della Rebbia, of Napoleon's army, Colomba's brother. He refuses to murder Barricini as his sister demands. He is accused of murdering two sons of Barricini, but he is cleared when Colonel Nevil testifies that the sons first ambushed Orso. He marries Lydia.
Lawyer Barricini (bahr-ree-CHEE-nee), the mayor of the village and the suspected murderer of Orso's father.
Two sons of Barricini, who ambush Orso but are shot by him.
Colonel Sir Thomas Nevil, an Irish officer who has come to Corsica to hunt. He testifies that Orso's shooting of Barricini's sons was in self-defense.
Lydia Nevil, his daughter, who wants to leave the settlement of crime to the law.