Dame Lisabetta Character Analysis

Little is revealed about this old woman, beyond that she often can be found at Giovanni’s lodgings and that she knows a lot about Paduan society. When the youth first arrives, she takes to him because he is handsome. When he asks whether the garden out the window belongs to their property or that of the neighbors, Lisabetta tells him it is Rappaccini’s garden. She proceeds to share what little else she knows about the doctor. Days later, Lisabetta tries to catch Giovanni’s attention. This proves difficult, since the young man seems to be oblivious to women unless they are young, good-looking, and named Beatrice. At last, Lisabetta succeeds in disclosing that there is a way to walk into Rappaccini’s garden. In exchange for a gold coin, Lisabetta shows Giovanni how to access the garden. Lisabetta’s presence in the novel highlights how shallow Giovanni is when it comes to appearances—he can hardly perceive an older, unattractive woman.