promessi

Promesso is an Italian noun meaning someone who is promised, typically in the sense of an engagement or vow. The plural promessi can refer to multiple people who have been promised in a wedding or alliance, and in cultural contexts the term is often encountered as part of a title or historical reference. In popular usage, promessi is closely associated with I promessi sposi, known in English as The Betrothed.

I promessi sposi is a novel by Alessandro Manzoni, first published in 1827 and later revised and expanded (1840–1842). It is set in Lombardy during the years 1628–1629, under Spanish rule, and it intertwines romance with social and political critique. The work is widely regarded as a cornerstone of Italian literature and a key influence in the development and stabilization of modern Italian language. It is frequently studied in Italian schools and has inspired numerous adaptations in theater, film, and television.

The narrative centers on two young lovers, Renzo Tramaglino and Lucia Mondella, whose marriage is opposed by powerful forces, including the oppressive Don Rodrigo. Supporting characters include Father Cristoforo, Don Abbondio, Lucia’s mother Agnese, and the cardinal Federigo Borromeo, who appear against a backdrop of political corruption, clerical timidity, and the 1630 plague of Milan. The plot follows their attempts to marry and the broader consequences of social injustice, ultimately culminating in resilience, moral perseverance, and a restoration of order.

Promessi sposi is celebrated for its realistic portrayal of 17th‑century society, its moral and religious themes, and its lasting impact on Italian language and national literary identity.