Page 202 - Summaries of Boccaccio's Decameron: A Visionary Journey in 100 Stories and 100 Etchings by Petru Russu

The Master and the Thief

This novella humorously recounts the cunning exploits of Cecco,
son of Messer Fortarrigo, as he dupes his companion, Cecco,
son of Messer Angiulieri. Themes of greed, deception, and quick

thinking underscore the story.

Cecco Fortarrigo, a wily gambler, loses his money, and that of
his companion, Cecco Angiulieri, while playing at Buonconvento.
Desperate and reckless, Fortarrigo flees with the remainder of their

possessions, including Angiulieri’s palfrey and clothing, leaving his
companion destitute.

Furious and humiliated, Angiulieri pursues Fortarrigo, clad only in
his shirt and crying out that he has been robbed. The spectacle
draws the attention of local peasants, who intercept the fugitive
gambler. Seizing the opportunity, Fortarrigo employs his cunning.
He convinces the crowd that Angiulieri, in his disheveled state, is a

madman falsely accusing him.

As the commotion unfolds, Fortarrigo slyly regains control of the

situation. He dons Angiulieri’s clothes, mounts the palfrey, and
makes a swift escape, leaving his hapless companion to follow on
foot, humiliated and baffled.

The tale concludes with the ironic triumph of Fortarrigo’s deceit,

underscoring the disparity between clever manipulation and
DYNAMIC MOTION AND
LAYERED CONTRASTS REFLECT genuine morality. It invites reflection on the vulnerabilities of trust
FORTARRIGO’S CUNNING ESCAPE, and the razor-thin line between trickery and cleverness.
USING DISORIENTED FORMS TO
CAPTURE MANIPULATION AND
MORALITY.
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