Page 58 - SUMMARIES OF GIOVANNI BOCCACCIO’S DECAMEON : A Visionary Journey In 100 Stories And 100 Etchings By Petru Russu

Bernabò and Ambrogiuolo

This novella from The Decameron tells the gripping tale of Bernabò, a
wealthy merchant, and his virtuous wife, Zinevra, whose loyalty is tested
by the deceit of Ambrogiuolo. Themes of betrayal, resilience, and justice
weave through this dramatic story.

Bernabò, proud of Zinevra’s beauty and fidelity, boasts of her virtues to his
peers. Ambrogiuolo, a cunning and envious man, challenges Bernabò’s claims,
wagering that he can prove Zinevra unfaithful. Bernabò, confident in his wife’s

loyalty, accepts the wager, unaware of Ambrogiuolo’s treachery.

Ambrogiuolo travels to Zinevra’s home and, through deceit, gains
access to her private chambers. He steals personal items and fabricates

evidence of an affair, returning to Bernabò with false proof of her
infidelity. Devastated and enraged, Bernabò orders Zinevra’s execution.

Zinevra, however, escapes her fate by disguising herself as a man and fleeing.

She finds refuge in the court of the Soldan, where her intelligence and
resourcefulness earn her a position of trust. Meanwhile, Ambrogiuolo enjoys
the spoils of his deceit, unaware that Zinevra is plotting her revenge.

In time, Zinevra uncovers Ambrogiuolo’s lies and orchestrates a
confrontation in Alexandria. She reveals her true identity and exposes
Ambrogiuolo’s treachery before the Soldan and Bernabò. Ambrogiuolo is
A CLASH OF STAINED-GLASS
sentenced to death for his crimes, and Bernabò, overcome with remorse,
FRAGMENTS AND VEILED
begs Zinevra’s forgiveness.
FORMS, THE IMAGE INCARNATES
ZINEVRA’S MASKED RESILIENCE,
HER JOURNEY THROUGH BETRAYAL Zinevra, magnanimous in victory, forgives her husband and resumes her
AND DISGUISE ERUPTING INTO A
role as his wife. Together, they return to Genoa, their fortunes restored
RECKONING SOAKED IN JUSTICE
AND REGAL DEFIANCE. and their bond strengthened by the trials they endured.
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