Question

In Act 1, Scene 3 of The Cenci, Count Cenci learns about his sons’ deaths and he says:

Here are the letters brought from Salamanca; Beatrice, read them to your mother. God! I thank thee! In one night didst thou perform, By ways inscrutable, the thing I sought. My disobedient and rebellious sons Are dead!—Why, dead!—What means this change of cheer? You hear me not, I tell you they are dead; And they will need no food or raiment more: The tapers that did light them the dark way Are their last cost. The Pope, I think, will not Expect I should maintain them in their coffins. Rejoice with me—my heart is wondrous glad.

Which theme does this quote depict?

Answer 1

This quote depicts the theme of revenge. Count Cenci expresses his joy and gratitude to God for the death of his disobedient and rebellious sons, which he had sought for through unknown ways. He sees their death as a means of punishment for their disobedience towards him. The quote also shows the lack of empathy and disregard for the value of human life, as he speaks of their death in a cold and indifferent manner.