Part 4 begins with an epigraph from Arrigo Paladini, suggesting dying well is heroic.

Marco listens to Mussolini declare war on England and France at Palazzo Venezia. A senior officer asks him to retrieve a telegraph, and Marco flirts with the female worker who hands him it. Later, he heads to his father’s bar, who advises Marco against celebrating war.

As the war rages on and food grows scarce, Elisabetta and Nonna hold meetings with merchants in Trastevere. Beppe shows up at the meeting. Another merchant shares signs prohibiting Jewish customers, which horrifies Nonna; only she and Beppe don’t take signs. Later, Elisabetta types the meeting notes. Nonna asks when Elisabetta will date or write again.