Page 156 - A Homage to Giovanni Boccaccio by Petru Rusu
P. 156

Love and Lies: Tofano and Ghita


                                                                                  This novella humorously recounts the tale of Tofano and Ghita, a
                                                                                   couple entangled in jealousy and cunning deception. Themes of
                                                                                   mistrust, wit, and poetic justice shape the story.


                                                                                  Tofano, a jealous and controlling husband, grows suspicious of
                                                                                   his wife, Ghita. One night, in a fit of anger, he locks her out of
                                                                                   the house, refusing to let her back in despite her pleas. Ghita,
                                                                                   undeterred, devises a clever plan to turn the tables on him.


                                                                                   Feigning despair, Ghita loudly declares her intention to throw
                                                                                   herself into a nearby well. To make her act convincing, she hurls

                                                                                   a large stone into the water, creating a dramatic splash. Believing
                                                                                   she has followed through on her threat, Tofano rushes out of the
                                                                                   house to save her.

                                                                                   While Tofano frantically searches the well, Ghita seizes the

                                                                                   opportunity to slip back into the house and lock the door behind
                                                                                   her. From the safety of the house, she berates Tofano, leaving him
                                                                                   humiliated and stranded outside.


                                                                                  This witty tale concludes with Ghita triumphing over her husband’s
                                                                                   jealousy, showcasing her intelligence and resourcefulness in the
                                                                                   face of his mistrust.














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