Page 214 - Summaries of Boccaccio's Decameron: A Visionary Journey in 100 Stories and 100 Etchings by Petru Russu

Father Gianni: The Enchantment
“powers” to transform Pietro’s wife, Gemmata, into a mare, reasoning that it
A WHIMSICAL AND DYNAMIC
COMPOSITION FILLED WITH
VIBRANT HUES AND FLUID SHAPES,
CAPTURING THE HUMOR AND
THEATRICALITY OF DOM GIANNI’S
DECEPTION.
DECAMERON 212
This novella tells a humorous and whimsical tale of superstition and gullibility,
as Dom Gianni, a village priest, attempts an “enchantment” for his friend
Pietro, only to find his scheme foiled by an unexpected interruption.
Dom Gianni is a well-meaning but cunning friar, known for his quick wit and
ability to charm the villagers. His close friend, Gossip Pietro, a simple and
trusting man, harbors a peculiar wish: he asks Dom Gianni to use his magical
will improve their family’s fortune by providing them a fine working animal.
Eager to please and amused by the request, Dom Gianni agrees to perform
the “enchantment.” He instructs Pietro and Gemmata to strip bare and
stand side by side in their cottage while he chants a series of mystical-
sounding incantations. All the while, Dom Gianni retains a facade of utmost
seriousness, though he struggles to contain his laughter.
As the “spell” progresses, Dom Gianni pretends to transform Gemmata,
touching her shoulders and mimicking the movements of attaching reins.
Finally, he announces that the enchantment is nearly complete, he only
needs to attach a tail.
At this crucial moment, Pietro, utterly convinced by the act, protests: “She’s
my wife, and I’ll have none of her with a tail!” His exclamation, born of both
love and practicality, breaks the spell’s illusion. Dom Gianni, seizing the
opportunity, declares that Pietro’s interruption has ruined the enchantment.
The couple, now sheepishly realizing the absurdity of their request, bursts into
laughter, and the episode becomes a shared joke in the village. Dom Gianni, ever
the entertainer, takes satisfaction in his cleverness, while Pietro and Gemmata
are left with a newfound appreciation for each other, and their humanity.
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