Symbolism
He tried to be God by interfering with and overpowering nature, but he failed.
Does Giovanni love Beatrice? Why or why not?
No because if he truly loved her he would not immediately blame her when he turned poisonous, and he would not think she is evil.
Who is the most emotionally pure in the short story?
Beatrice. Although she is physically poisonous, she is the most kind-hearted.
Who represents the devil in "Rappaccini's Daughter" and why?
Baglioni because he plants the idea in Giovanni's head that Beatrice is evil, and tempts him to give her the fatal antidote, which represents the golden apple.
Why does Beatrice drink the antidote even though she knows it will kill her?
She chooses to do so because after realizing Giovanni does not truly love her, she would rather die than live with him. His betrayal makes her choose to die.
Where does the story, "Rappaccini's Daughter" take place?
Padua, Italy
What does the name "Beatrice" come from and what does it mean?
"beatus" meaning "blessed"
Who does Beatrice believe is more poisonous… her or Giovanni?
Giovanni. She says to him, "'Oh, was there not, from the first, more poison in thy nature than in mine?'"
What is Rappaccini’s justification for making Beatrice poisonous?
He tells Beatrice that he was trying to protect her from the outside world. Her essence is like her armor.
What does Baglioni rebuke Rappaccini for?
Interfering with nature, which results in his own daughter's death.