Page 204 - Summaries of Boccaccio's Decameron: A Visionary Journey in 100 Stories and 100 Etchings by Petru Russu

Calandrino’s Misadventure
SURREAL DISTORTIONS AND
EXAGGERATED FIGURES HEIGHTEN
THE COMEDIC ABSURDITY OF
DECEPTION, EMPHASIZING FOLLY
AND HUMAN EMOTIONS.
DECAMERON 202
This novella recounts a hilarious prank played on the hapless Calandrino
by his mischievous friends, Bruno and Buffalmacco, revealing themes of
deception, folly, and marital tension.
Calandrino, a simple and gullible man, becomes infatuated with a young
damsel. Seizing the opportunity for mischief, Bruno and Buffalmacco devise
a prank. They convince Calandrino that a magical scroll they possess can
compel the damsel to fall in love with him, he need only touch her with it.
Calandrino, eager to win her affection, takes the scroll and approaches the
damsel under his friends’ watchful and amused eyes. Unbeknownst to him,
his actions are carefully orchestrated for maximum hilarity. The damsel, in on
the joke, pretends to be enchanted and plays along with his clumsy advances.
The prank takes an unexpected turn when Calandrino’s wife, Tessa,
discovers him with the damsel. Outraged and suspicious, she confronts
Calandrino and subjects him to a relentless and humiliating interrogation.
Calandrino struggles to explain the situation, only to reveal more of his
foolishness in the process.
Meanwhile, Bruno and Buffalmacco feign ignorance and look on with
glee, enjoying the chaos they have caused. Tessa, having the upper
hand, forces Calandrino to confess his supposed “enchantment” attempt,
further humiliating him.
Though frustrated, Calandrino eventually forgives his friends, as his good
nature prevails. The novella concludes with laughter at Calandrino’s
expense, underscoring the enduring camaraderie of the group despite
their constant pranks.
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