The City’s Old and New Worlds

Across the River and into the Trees

This flow follows Cantwell’s observations of social change in Venice, where old families, new wealth, workers, and soldiers share a city shaped by history.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

The Milanese Profiteer The Milanese Profiteer from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Milanese Profiteer New wealth on display Cantwell sees a wealthy man with an expensive mistress and judges the pair’s manners and likely tax avoidance.

The Milanese Profiteer from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Milanese Profiteer New wealth on display Cantwell sees a wealthy man with an expensive mistress and judges the pair’s manners and likely tax avoidance.

The Milanese Profiteer New wealth on display Cantwell sees a wealthy man with an expensive mistress and judges the pair’s manners and likely tax avoidance. His reaction reflects a broader dislike of profiteers. A social contrast The scene sets postwar money against the city’s older traditions and the labor of ordinary Venetians. Cantwell’s own mock Order takes its name from such figures.

The Hotel’s Inner Circle The Hotel’s Inner Circle from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Hotel’s Inner Circle Shared rituals The staff and regular guests treat Cantwell as a familiar presence.

The Hotel’s Inner Circle from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Hotel’s Inner Circle Shared rituals The staff and regular guests treat Cantwell as a familiar presence.

The Hotel’s Inner Circle Shared rituals The staff and regular guests treat Cantwell as a familiar presence. Their jokes, greetings, and private language create an informal community inside the hotel. An old city’s social order The circle includes workers and aristocratic guests, linked by repeated encounters rather than by equal wealth. Cantwell values personal character more than rank or money alone.

The Contessa’s World The Contessa’s World from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Contessa’s World Old family and public life Renata comes from an old Venetian family and moves through a city where people know her name.

The Contessa’s World from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Contessa’s World Old family and public life Renata comes from an old Venetian family and moves through a city where people know her name.

The Contessa’s World Old family and public life Renata comes from an old Venetian family and moves through a city where people know her name. Her status does not prevent her from choosing her own opinions and attachments. Cantwell’s respect He admires her family’s standing but responds most strongly to her individual character. The old social world is present without fully determining her choices.

The Consular Americans The Consular Americans from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Consular Americans A refused encounter Cantwell avoids a group of American consular staff who are drinking in Venice.

The Consular Americans from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Consular Americans A refused encounter Cantwell avoids a group of American consular staff who are drinking in Venice.

The Consular Americans A refused encounter Cantwell avoids a group of American consular staff who are drinking in Venice. He understands their boredom but does not want their snapshots, stories, or familiar complaints. Distance from the official world His choice reflects irritation with outsiders who consume the city without knowing it. He prefers the relationships built through long familiarity.

Old City, New Memories Old City, New Memories from "Across the River and into the Trees". Old City, New Memories Continuity in a changed place Venice contains old palaces, new wealth, war damage, and daily work.

Old City, New Memories from "Across the River and into the Trees". Old City, New Memories Continuity in a changed place Venice contains old palaces, new wealth, war damage, and daily work.

Old City, New Memories Continuity in a changed place Venice contains old palaces, new wealth, war damage, and daily work. Cantwell and Renata move through these layers as people who have inherited different versions of the city. A living inheritance The city’s traditions are not frozen; they continue through meals, boats, family stories, and relationships. The novel presents belonging as something enacted in daily life.

On Cantwell’s arrival at the hotel bar

During the first evening at the Gritti

During Cantwell’s first evening in Harry’s Bar

During Cantwell’s wait before visiting Harry’s Bar

During Cantwell and Renata’s last lunch