Page 28 - SUMMARIES OF GIOVANNI BOCCACCIO’S DECAMEON : A Visionary Journey In 100 Stories And 100 Etchings By Petru Russu

The Marchioness of Montferrat and the French King

This novella tells a story of wit and dignity as the Marchioness of
Monferrato skillfully counters the King of France’s improper advances
using intelligence and grace. Boccaccio intertwines themes of virtue,

cleverness, and restraint, portraying the Marchioness as a figure of
admirable resolve.

The tale begins with the French King becoming infatuated with the
Marchioness, renowned for her beauty and virtues. Consumed by

desire, he embarks on a visit to her estate under the guise of friendship,
intending to act on his passion. The Marchioness, perceptive and aware
of his intentions, prepares to meet this challenge with composure and

ingenuity.

When the King arrives, the Marchioness welcomes him warmly but
arranges for an unusual banquet: a feast made entirely of dishes
prepared with hen. Each course, while exquisite, features the same

central ingredient, leaving the King puzzled. Finally, he asks why every
dish revolves around hens.

The Marchioness, with poised humor, responds that hens, like women,
belong to the cock. Her words subtly yet powerfully highlight the
INFUSED WITH COURTLY impropriety of the King’s advances, reminding him of her loyalty to her
SURREALISM AND THEATRICAL absent husband, the Marquis of Monferrato. The witty remark, paired with
SYMBOLISM, THE COMPOSITION
the symbolism of the banquet, effectively curbs the King’s passion.
STAGES REGAL CONFRONTATION
THROUGH ORNAMENTAL
EXAGGERATION, BLURRING Embarrassed yet impressed by the Marchioness’s wit and virtue, the
HERALDIC ELEGANCE WITH
King abandons his intentions and leaves, marveling at her wisdom and
FOLKLORIC WIT TO MIRROR THE
integrity. The novella concludes with a celebration of the Marchioness’s
MARCHIONESS’S QUIET TRIUMPH
OVER LUSTFUL INTENT. ability to protect her honor and dignity through cleverness and resolve.
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