Page 116 - SUMMARIES OF GIOVANNI BOCCACCIO’S DECAMEON : A Visionary Journey In 100 Stories And 100 Etchings By Petru Russu

Giannole and Minghino The novella begins in the city of Fano, where two aging Lombard gentlemen,
Guidotto da Cremona and Giacomino da Pavia, spend their final years in quiet
friendship after lives marked by military service. As Guidotto lies dying, with no

heir to speak of, he entrusts his beloved possessions and a ten-year-old girl, whose
origins he keeps veiled, to Giacomino, the only man he trusts.

With war finally subsiding, Faenza begins to blossom once more. Giacomino, drawn

by fond memories of the city, returns and raises the girl with affection and honor,
treating her as a daughter. In time, she matures into a graceful and virtuous young
woman whose beauty and modesty captivate all who meet her.

Two young suitors from noble families, Giannole di Severino and Minghino di
Mingole, fall hopelessly in love with her. Forbidden by their families from pursuing
an honorable marriage, they resort to clandestine schemes and household alliances,
Giannole through Crivello, a genial fellow in Giacomino’s service, and Minghino

through the maid, who becomes his confidante and messenger.

Unaware of one another’s plans, both suitors are led to believe a private meeting
with the girl is imminent. One fateful evening, when Giacomino is out at supper, both

young men arrive at the house, expecting a secret rendezvous. The overlapping
intrigues culminate in a chaotic confrontation, leading to a heated altercation.

In the midst of this turmoil, the long-guarded truth emerges: the girl is Giannole’s

sister, the daughter of Guidotto da Cremona. The revelation stuns all involved and
immediately dispels the romantic tensions between the rivals.

A WHIMSICAL COLLISION
OF MYTHIC LINEAGE AND With this new clarity, the tale finds a joyful resolution. Giannole’s familial love
YOUTHFUL TENSION, THIS replaces his romantic pursuit, and the girl, now honored and secure in her identity,
PAINTING MIGHT JUST BE
is given in marriage to Minghino, whose devotion and sincerity had won her heart.
THE MOST EMOTIONALLY
KALEIDOSCOPIC OF THE What began in rivalry transforms into unity, as love, trust, and unexpected kinship
FIFTH DAY. guide the story to its harmonious close.
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