Page 210 - SUMMARIES OF GIOVANNI BOCCACCIO’S DECAMEON : A Visionary Journey In 100 Stories And 100 Etchings By Petru Russu

Biondello and Ciacco

This novella tells the uproarious tale of Biondello and Ciacco, two spirited
Florentines whose fondness for practical jokes leads them into a battle of
cunning and mischief. Biondello, known for his sly intelligence, and Ciacco,

equally infamous for his enormous appetite, often exchange playful jabs and
ridiculous schemes. One morning, Biondello decides to take advantage of
Ciacco’s gluttony, spinning a tale of an extravagant breakfast supposedly hosted
by a wealthy merchant. He paints a mouthwatering picture of roasted capons,
fresh pastries, and rare wine, knowing it will be impossible for Ciacco to resist.

Excited and famished, Ciacco hurries to the merchant’s residence, fully expecting
a lavish feast. Instead, he finds confusion and mockery, no breakfast, no invitation,

just cold stares. Realizing he’s been duped, Ciacco leaves humiliated but quietly
plotting revenge. He intends to strike back not with anger, but with cleverness.

A few days later, Ciacco executes his plan. He spreads a rumor that a high-
ranking Florentine official is searching for a capable young man to perform a

discreet task, one that carries prestige and generous compensation. He makes
sure Biondello hears the tale and even adds details about the official’s expected
admiration for Biondello’s talents. Hooked by vanity and ambition, Biondello

dresses elegantly and visits the official’s home, only to be mistaken for a
suspicious intruder. The servants, believing him a thief, beat him mercilessly
before throwing him out.

Bruised, embarrassed, and forced to reckon with the consequences of his

own arrogance, Biondello concedes defeat. Yet in the midst of the bruises
INTRICATE, FLOWING FORMS and bruised ego, he acknowledges Ciacco’s brilliance. The story ends not
MIRROR THE LIVELY SATIRE AND in bitterness but in laughter, with both men gaining a new respect for one
CLEVER PRANKS BETWEEN THE
another’s wit. Boccaccio delivers the lesson with a grin: in the world of pranks,
CHARACTERS, EMPHASIZING WIT
AND UNPREDICTABILITY. there’s no foolproof trickster, only the next clever scheme waiting to be played.
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