Page 198 - Summaries of Boccaccio's Decameron: A Visionary Journey in 100 Stories and 100 Etchings by Petru Russu

Isabetta’s Ingenious Defense

This novella humorously explores themes of hypocrisy, quick
thinking, and the subversion of authority within a convent. The tale
centers on Isabetta, a clever nun, and an abbess, both caught in
compromising situations.

Isabetta, accused of harboring her lover in her quarters, faces
judgment from the abbess. The abbess, eager to expose Isabetta,
rises hastily in the dark of night to catch her in the act. In her

rush, the abbess mistakenly dons the breeches of a priest, her own
secret love, thinking they are her veil.

The abbess storms into Isabetta’s chamber, ready to condemn her.

However, Isabetta, noticing the abbess’s unusual headgear, cleverly
points it out. The abbess, realizing her blunder and compromised
position, is left embarrassed and speechless.

Seizing the moment, Isabetta boldly implies the abbess’s own
indiscretions make her unfit to pass judgment. Forced to drop the
matter, the abbess acquits Isabetta and refrains from interfering
in her personal affairs again. With the abbess’s silence assured,

Isabetta finds it easier to continue meeting her lover undisturbed.

This witty tale highlights the absurdity of moral hypocrisy and
celebrates Isabetta’s sharp wit and resourcefulness.

BOLD PATTERNS AND THEATRICAL
MOVEMENTS HIGHLIGHT
DECEPTION, REVELATION,
AND QUICK WIT, ECHOING
BOCCACCIO’S SATIRICAL
UNRAVELING OF HYPOCRISY.
DECAMERON 196 197