La Duchesse De Palliano

by Stendhal

"La Duchesse De Palliano" by Stendhal is a story published in 1838. Set in Renaissance Rome during 1559-1561, it recounts the tragic fall of the powerful Carafa family under Pope Paul IV. When the Duke of Paliano's beautiful wife is falsely accused of an affair with a devoted admirer, family honor demands a brutal response. Based on actual historical events, this dark chronicle explores themes of jealousy, betrayal, and revenge within the corrupt circles of papal power.