Page 210 - Summaries of Boccaccio's Decameron: A Visionary Journey in 100 Stories and 100 Etchings by Petru Russu

Biondello and Ciacco

This novella tells the humorous tale of Biondello and Ciacco, two
Florentine men whose playful antics take an unexpected turn.
Themes of wit, retaliation, and social satire underscore the story.

Biondello, a charming and clever young man, and Ciacco, a
known glutton, frequently engage in lighthearted pranks. One day,
Biondello decides to exploit Ciacco’s love of fine food by tricking
him into seeking an extravagant breakfast that does not exist.

Biondello claims that a wealthy merchant has invited Ciacco to a
sumptuous meal featuring delicacies such as capons and fine wine.

Eager to indulge, Ciacco arrives at the merchant’s home, only to be
met with confusion and ridicule. Embarrassed by the humiliation,
Ciacco vows to exact his revenge.

Determined to outwit Biondello, Ciacco crafts a cunning scheme.

He spreads word that a high-ranking Florentine official wishes
to hire Biondello for an important task. Intrigued and flattered,
Biondello arrives at the official’s home, dressed in his finest attire.

To his horror, he is greeted not with an opportunity but with the
official’s servants, who, believing him to be a thief, administer a
sound beating.

Humiliated and sore, Biondello realizes he has fallen victim to

Ciacco’s clever retaliation. Though the prank war ends with
INTRICATE, FLOWING FORMS Biondello’s defeat, both men come to admire the other’s ingenuity,
MIRROR THE LIVELY SATIRE AND cementing their camaraderie with laughter and mutual respect.
CLEVER PRANKS BETWEEN THE
CHARACTERS, EMPHASIZING WIT
AND UNPREDICTABILITY.
DECAMERON 208 209