Page 174 - SUMMARIES OF BOCCACCIO’S DECAMERON - A Visionary Journey in 100 Stories and 100 Etchings by Petru Russu

Gulfardo and Guasparruolo

This novella humorously explores themes of betrayal, cunning, and
poetic justice, as Gulfardo outsmarts both Guasparruolo and his
unfaithful wife.

Gulfardo, a clever and resourceful man, borrows money from
Guasparruolo under the pretense of needing it for business.
However, the true purpose of the loan is to fulfill an agreement
with Guasparruolo’s wife: she has promised to sleep with Gulfardo

in exchange for the money.

After their tryst, Gulfardo, ever the strategist, ensures
Guasparruolo is present when he returns the money to his wife.

In front of her husband, Gulfardo declares that he has repaid the
loan by giving the money directly to her. The wife, caught off guard,
confirms his statement, unwittingly exposing her own deceit.

Guasparruolo, humiliated and outmaneuvered, is left with no
recourse. Gulfardo’s clever manipulation not only fulfills his desires
but also delivers a sharp lesson to both husband and wife about
trust and betrayal.

This tale highlights Gulfardo’s wit and the absurdity of human folly,
leaving readers to marvel at the intricate dynamics of deception
and retribution.

COLORFUL GEOMETRIC
CONTRASTS AND DYNAMIC
MOVEMENT EVOKE THE
CALCULATED SCHEME, ENSURING
THE PSYCHOLOGICAL TENSION
REMAINS VIVID
DECAMERON 174 175