Page 200 - SUMMARIES OF GIOVANNI BOCCACCIO’S DECAMEON : A Visionary Journey In 100 Stories And 100 Etchings By Petru Russu

Calandrino’s Bizarre Predicament

This tale follows the hapless Calandrino, a Florentine known for being
deeply naïve, and his trio of mischievous companions, Bruno, Buffalmacco,
and the newly recruited prankster Nello. After Calandrino inherits a
modest sum from his deceased aunts and begins fancifully dreaming of

buying land like a wealthy merchant, his friends grow irritated with his
newfound stinginess and inflated self-importance.

They hatch an elaborate scheme to humble him and get a good meal out of

it. Nello kicks off the trick by suggesting that Calandrino looks unwell, subtly
implying something is off. Buffalmacco and Bruno quickly join in the charade,
each reinforcing the idea that Calandrino might be suffering from a strange
condition. Soon, they rope in Master Simone, a fraudulent physician, who

“diagnoses” Calandrino with an astonishing ailment, he’s pregnant.

Horrified and confused, Calandrino begs for a cure. The friends prescribe
ludicrous remedies and demand rich compensation, fat capons and a generous

payment for the supposed treatment. Desperate and believing every word,
Calandrino complies, handing over food and money as the trio watches with glee.

Days pass as the absurdity escalates. Calandrino follows every instruction

in hopes of recovery, while the friends maintain their deception.
Eventually, they declare him “cured,” never having offered any real remedy,
just hearty laughs and a well-fed evening.

Though he’s been thoroughly duped and fleeced, Calandrino’s reaction
PLAYFUL DISTORTIONS AND is surprisingly cheerful. Rather than rage or resent, he chuckles along,
CHAOTIC ENERGY REINFORCE THE taking the prank in stride. The story is a lighthearted account of trickery,
ESCALATING DECEPTION, TURNING
gullibility, and the lengths to which a group of clever companions will go
FOLLY INTO AN EXPRESSIVE
for a laugh and a free feast.
VISUAL SATIRE.
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