Summary of the Host
The host is a character introduced in chapter 7, for whom we have no physical description. He is a cowardly man who resembles Don Abbondi in several ways; when questioned by Renzo about the shady foreigners, he states twice that he does not know them and that his profession prohibits him from discussing his clients' affairs. Later, when interrogated by the thugs, he points out Renzo, Tonio, and Gervaso, indicating their occupations and character traits. He cannot escape the confines of his private interests; he is intriguing, a scoundrel...
Role in the novel
Helper of the antagonist (symbolizes the urban mentality). He is the owner of the tavern.
Behavior
Opportunistic, cautious, selfish. Focused on his own interest and security.
Where we find him
Chapter 7
He pretended to befriend the gentlemen while actually being complicit with the wrongdoers. For this reason, he tries to change the subject, as he does not wish to provide Renzo with information about the two thugs at the door. He jokingly suggests that Renzo should think about his upcoming wedding instead of showing such inappropriate curiosity.
Chapter 14
In this chapter, the narrator's attention is directed towards the host, at least in the first part of the story. In the central and final parts, however, the figure of Renzo prevails, who, having escaped the criminal notary, manages to flee from Milan.
The Characters
We return to the first narrative sequence. Renzo is about to fall asleep. The central character is, as mentioned, the host. We can better understand the character of this figure through three scenes. Let’s see what they are:
First scene: the host talks to himself (soliloquy), revealing his true thoughts (Renzo disrupts his peace);
Second scene: the host talks with his wife, and this dialogue highlights his principle, namely, to defend the tavern by upholding the law;
Third scene: another dialogue, this time with the criminal notary at the courthouse. In this conversation, the rule of "always deny, no matter what" dominates.
As we have seen, the host's principle is to defend and preserve the tavern. He acts against Renzo not because he has anything against him, but because the young man’s behavior could jeopardize his business. The host therefore cannot refrain from reporting him: if he did, he would be acting against the law, and the law would act against him. This character could, in some ways, be associated with Don Abbondio: the host is indeed always focused on defending his profit and maintaining a peaceful life. In two words: he does not want trouble. Such an attitude appears in the dialogue with the criminal notary, where the host demonstrates almost a lawyerly skill in defending his interests.
