Page 120 - SUMMARIES OF GIOVANNI BOCCACCIO’S DECAMEON : A Visionary Journey In 100 Stories And 100 Etchings By Petru Russu

Teodoro and Violante

Teodoro, a young boy of noble bearing, is mistakenly taken for a Turk and sold
into slavery by Genoese corsairs. He grows up in the household of Messer

Amerigo Abate da Trapani, an affluent Sicilian gentleman, alongside Amerigo’s
many children. Though his origins are unknown, Teodoro’s innate grace,
intellect, and dignity earn him affection and trust. He is eventually baptized
as Pietro, freed, and promoted to majordomo, taking his place not only in the
household but in the esteem of its master.

Among Amerigo’s children is Violante, a delicate and refined young woman
whose beauty is matched by her intelligence. Over time, she and Teodoro

fall deeply in love, each aware of the other’s feelings but constrained by
societal boundaries and fear. Their romance remains hidden, a quiet ache of
longing that neither dares to voice. Yet Fortune, ever mischievous and kind,
orchestrates their moment.

While returning from a visit to a country estate, a sudden storm forces
Violante and Teodoro into a ruined cottage, where shelter and proximity
embolden them to confess their love. Their union in this moment of

vulnerability leads to Violante’s pregnancy, which, once discovered, causes an
uproar. Teodoro is arrested and condemned to die, his lowly origins seemingly
an insurmountable obstacle.

But fate intervenes spectacularly. As Teodoro is led to execution, a stranger
SPUN FROM THE LOOM OF FATE
in the crowd recognizes him as his son, abducted years ago from the coast
AND DEFIANCE, THIS VISION
OF TEODORO AND VIOLANTE of Armenia. This man is revealed to be a noble of high rank, and the truth
SWELLS WITH URGENCY AND of Teodoro’s birth transforms the narrative entirely. With noble blood and
UNEXPECTED GRACE. THIS
recognized lineage, Teodoro is pardoned. The novella concludes with the
ISN’T JUST REDEMPTION, IT’S A
lovers united in honorable matrimony. What began as a forbidden romance in
RUPTURE OF DESTINY, PAINTED
IN BOLD, ELECTRIC GEOMETRY. the shadow of slavery emerges into light through divine twist and noble truth.
DECAMERON 118 119