The Saint: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Saint: Analysis of Major Characters" explores the complex relationships and moral dilemmas faced by key figures in the narrative. Central to the story is Piero Maironi, who has transformed into Benedetto the Saint after renouncing worldly pleasures to pursue a holy life, following a prophetic vision and the death of his wife. His journey involves speaking out against the corruption within the church, emphasizing his commitment to reform. Jeanne Dessalle, Piero's former mistress, seeks to rekindle their relationship after her husband's death, expressing her disbelief in God yet striving to reconnect with him before he makes his final vows. Accompanying her is Noemi d'Arxel, a supportive friend who aids in the quest for Piero. Giovanni Selva, Noemi's brother-in-law, represents the intellectual and philosophical dimensions of faith, while Don Clemente, a monk, plays a role in Benedetto's spiritual education. The pope's character further underlines the tension between idealism and the realities faced within the church, urging Benedetto to remain patient in the face of systemic issues. Together, these characters navigate themes of love, faith, and redemption, showcasing a rich tapestry of human experience and spiritual pursuit.
The Saint: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Antonio Fogazzaro
First published: Il Santo, 1905 (English translation, 1906)
Genre: Novel
Locale: Italy
Plot: Religious
Time: Late nineteenth century
Piero Maironi (pee-EH-roh mah-ee-ROH-nee), who previously left his wife in an insane asylum to take Jeanne Dessalle as his mistress. Later, at the time of his wife's death, three years before the time of this story, he had a prophetic vision and renounced the world. He left Dessalle to pursue a holy life and is now called Benedetto the Saint for his many good works. He speaks out against the corruption of the church, even traveling to Rome to speak with the pope.
Jeanne Dessalle (dehs-SAHL-leh), who hopes that Piero will renounce his holy life and come back to her now that her husband has died. She travels across Italy trying to find him and persuade him to come back to her before he takes his final vows as a monk. She finds him and manages to speak to him alone, and she tells him honestly that she still does not believe in God. Her conversion comes just in time to give him delight in his dying moments.
Noemi d'Arxel (noh-EH-mee d'ahr-ZHEHL), her friend, who scours Italy with her in search of Piero.
Giovanni Selva (jee-oh-VAHN-nee), Noemi's saintly brother-in-law, a philosopher whose writings Benedetto keeps off the Catholic Church's Index of forbidden books.
Don Clemente, a Benedictine monk who is the instructor of Benedetto at the monastery of Santa Scholastica.
The pope, who summons Benedetto to discuss ideas about the needs of the church. He begs Benedetto to be patient in waiting for correction of the church's problems.