The Valley of Decision: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Valley of Decision: Analysis of Major Characters" explores the intricate dynamics and motivations of several key figures within the court of Pianura. Central to the narrative is Odo Valsecca, a young nobleman who transitions from a life of poverty to the position of heir-presumptive after the death of the duke’s son. Odo, introspective and influenced by Enlightenment ideals, aspires to a life of clerical service but finds himself embroiled in court politics. Count Lelio Trescorre, the savvy and ambitious comptroller, presents a manipulative friendship that could ultimately jeopardize Odo’s standing as he seeks power for himself.
The duchess, Maria Clementina, adds a layer of complexity with her rebellious spirit against religious restrictions and her attempts to support Odo against Trescorre’s schemes. Meanwhile, the duke himself is portrayed as indecisive and distracted, often turning to others for guidance while grappling with his own failings. Characters like Countess Belverde and Carlo Gamba serve to highlight the varying degrees of ambition and moral ambiguity present in the court. Collectively, these characters create a rich tapestry of ambition, intrigue, and personal conflict, illustrating the broader themes of power and identity within a turbulent political landscape.
The Valley of Decision: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Edith Wharton
First published: 1902
Genre: Novel
Locale: Italy
Plot: Historical
Time: The late eighteenth century
Odo Valsecca (oh-doh vahl-SEH-kah), a cousin to the Duke of Pianura. Odo lives in neglect and poverty until, at the age of nine, his noble father dies and Odo is introduced to life at the duke's court. The contemplative Odo, influenced by the pageantry of the church, desires to become a bishop. When the duke's young son becomes ill, however, and the heir-presumptive (the marquess of Cerveno) dies, Odo becomes the heir-presumptive to the duke's throne. During his education as a nobleman, he learns philosophy, including the teachings of Voltaire, which are banned by the church. Count Lelio Trescorre befriends Odo, but the duchess of Pianura warns Odo that the count is really Odo's enemy and wants to discredit him.
Count Lelio Trescorre (lay-LEE-oh tray-SKOH-reh), the duke's arrogant comptroller of finance and Master of the Horse. He has made himself indispensable to the court, and his engaging personality, handsome youthfulness, and sharp intellect allow him access to every area of political intrigue. The duchess is beholden to him for paying off her debts, an act that also made him popular with the tradesmen she had ruined. He immediately wins Odo's trust by engaging him in philosophical discussions. By letting Odo openly express his views, he exposes Odo to danger from the church. If Odo is discredited, Trescorre hopes to be appointed regent of Pianura.
Maria Clementina, the duchess of Pianura since the age of fourteen, when she married the duke. The fun-loving duchess, excessively rouged and jeweled in the French fashion, is neglected by the duke. She delights in reading books banned by the church, merely to upset her religious husband. Her extravagant entertaining of all the pretty women and dashing spendthrifts of the court has led her to financial trouble. She is fond of Odo and helps him to escape Trescorre's plot against him.
The Duke of Pianura (pee-ah-NEW-rah), a sickly, narrow-faced man with a slight lameness that makes his walk ungainly. The duke cannot settle on one policy for governing his people. He leans first to one religion, then to another. After three months of marriage, he ignores his wife in favor of his young, pale cousin and heir-presumptive, the marquess of Cerveno. When the marquess loses favor with the duke, through the manipulations of Count Trescorre, the duke takes Countess Belverde as his mistress. When he realizes that his son is sickly, he sends for Odo, impressing on him the necessity for strong religious beliefs rather than reform.
Countess Belverde (behl-VEHR-day), a slender and graceful woman notorious for her cruel treatment of those serving her, though she maintains a piety toward the church. At the court, on behalf of the duke, she entertains the more conservative members of the church and the nobility. The duke gives her a villa at Boscofolto, making her the marchioness of Boscofolto.
Cantapresto, a former primo soprano of the ducal theater of Pianura turned abate of the church. He is Odo's servant. Cantapresto's acting ability and countless friends reveal to Odo yet another side of life. Cantapresto follows Odo carefully, so much so that Odo thinks he is a spy.
Carlo Gamba, a hunchbacked servant at the palace, Count Trescorre's brother, and a member of the outlawed Illuminati. Found by a Jesuit priest at a foundling asylum, Gamba was educated to be a clerk. After the priest's death, the duke gave him as a servant to the marquess of Cerveno. After Cerveno's death, Count Trescorre obtains a position for Gamba as an assistant to the duke's librarian. Gamba reveals to Odo the intrigues and political structure of the court.