Maria Corelli's 'Vendetta!' Trivia Quiz

Answer: Naples

Set in Naples, 'Vendetta!' (published 1886) by Marie Corelli, begins with the protagonist, Count Fabio Romani, being mistakenly declared dead. Buried alive in his family tomb, he later awakens and escapes, only to discover that his wife, Nina, has betrayed him. This shocking revelation sets the stage for Fabio's pursuit of revenge, as he adopts a new identity to unmask their deceit.

The novel's setting in Naples plays a vital role in shaping the narrative. It reflects the city's historical struggles with disease and social upheaval. The grandeur and decay of Naples, its aristocratic palaces, shadowy streets, and eerie catacombs mirror Fabio's emotional turmoil. The city's atmosphere fits well with the novel's plot.

Answer: A cholera epidemic

Cholera plays a crucial role in setting the story in motion, as the novel is set during a cholera outbreak in Naples. Fabio catches cholera after he stops to attend to a victim of the illness he encounters while out walking.

This leads to the mistaken declaration of his death, as his family and the authorities believe he has succumbed to the disease. After he is supposedly dead, his body is interred in the family vault. This epidemic serves as a historical backdrop.

Answer: He wakes up in complete darkness and feels the coffin walls

Fabio first realises he has been buried alive when he awakens inside his coffin in the family tomb. Initially, he is disoriented, but as he regains awareness, he feels the confinement of the coffin and the oppressive silence around him.

The realisation dawns on him as he struggles to move and finds himself trapped. His panic intensifies when he understands what has happened to him.

Answer: A mysterious stranger

After escaping his tomb, Fabio cleverly adopts the persona of Cesare Oliva, a wealthy man. His transformation is aided by the physical changes he undergoes. His hair, which had been jet black, turns white from shock, and he wears dark glasses to further obscure his identity.

He acquires the wealth needed to assume the identity of Cesare from a hidden cache of treasure he discovers inside his family tomb. The treasure was left there by the brigand Carmelo Neri and, upon escaping his coffin, he finds it and uses it to fund his new persona.

This unexpected fortune allows him to seamlessly integrate into society as a wealthy bachelor, enabling him to influence events and exact his revenge. His wife fails to recognise him, allowing him to infiltrate his former life undetected and set his plan for revenge into motion.

Answer: His best friend

Fabio makes his way back home and, on his arrival, discovers that he has been betrayed by his best friend, Guido Ferrari. Shocked, he sees him strolling in the garden, talking intimately and flirting with Nina. During the course of their conversation, he learns that the affair had been going on while he was alive, but he had been blissfully unaware of it.

Much to his horror, he realises that they have moved on with ease and show no signs of mourning his supposed death. He remains hidden, watching and listening. Rage at this unforgiving betrayal fuels his transformation and resolve, and sets the stage for his elaborate revenge.

Answer: He chooses to haunt them psychologically

Fabio seeks revenge, which reaches its climax when he plots the downfall of both his wife and his former best friend. After assuming the identity of Cesare, he choreographs the downfall that reveals their true colours.

After Guido ultimately dies, Nina, unaware of Fabio's true identity, agrees to marry him. After they have been married for a while, Fabio reveals who he really is.

Answer: He stages supernatural visions

Fabio, disguised as Cesare, communicates with his wife without revealing his true identity. His transformation, marked by his white hair and dark glasses, allows him to interact with her as a stranger. He carefully manipulates conversations, gaining her trust while observing her reactions to his supposed death.

He creates an atmosphere of dread and uncanny familiarity that mimics a haunting, by using emotional triggers which echo Fabio's mannerisms and speech. This eerie familiarity unnerves Nina. These visions play into her growing fear and guilt, making her uneasy and emotionally vulnerable. Fabio's manipulation intensifies as he draws her deeper into his web of deception, leading to the dramatic revelation of his true identity.

Answer: A duel orchestrated by Cesare

The duel in 'Vendetta!' is the result of Fabio's carefully planned revenge against Guido. After discovering Guido's betrayal of taking his wife, he manipulates events to provoke Guido into a confrontation.

He carefully fuels Guido's arrogance and jealousy, leading him into a situation where honour demands a duel. Guido, unaware of Fabio's true identity, accepts the challenge, believing he is defending his position.

However, Fabio ensures that Guido is outmatched, and the duel ultimately leads to his fatal wounds, sealing his downfall. After Fabio defeats him in the duel, he dramatically removes his dark glasses, revealing his true identity! Guido's reaction to Fabio's revelation is one of shock and horror when he realises that Cesare is really Fabio!

Answer: Guilt and dread

As the story progresses, Nina becomes increasingly overwhelmed by guilt and fear. Initially, she shows no remorse for her betrayal, but as Fabio, disguised as Cesare, controls events, she begins to sense an eerie presence and grows uneasy. Her emotions intensify when she unknowingly agrees to marry Fabio, which eventually leads to her discovering that he is her husband.

Answer: She is crushed by a rock during an earthquake

At the end of 'Vendetta!', Nina meets a dramatic and tragic end. After unknowingly agreeing to marry Fabio, who is disguised as Cesare, she is confronted with the shocking revelation of his true identity.

After they have been married for a while Fabio takes Nina to the family vault where he had been buried alive. He removes his disguise, revealing his true identity. She is horrified!

Overwhelmed by fear and guilt, she is unable to escape the consequences of her betrayal. In a final twist, an earthquake strikes, and a falling rock crushes her, sealing her fate in a moment of poetic justice.