Page 74 - SUMMARIES OF GIOVANNI BOCCACCIO’S DECAMEON : A Visionary Journey In 100 Stories And 100 Etchings By Petru Russu

Ricciardo and Catella

This novella tells the cunning and humorous tale of Ricciardo
Minutolo, who employs wit and deceit to win the affections of the
jealous Catella, wife of Filippello Fighinolfi. Themes of jealousy, clever
manipulation, and human folly are central to this story.

Ricciardo, deeply in love with the beautiful Catella, is undeterred
by the fact that she is married to Filippello. Knowing Catella’s
jealous nature, he devises a scheme to gain her favor and prove her

vulnerabilities.

Ricciardo spreads a false rumor that his own wife is planning to meet
Filippello at a bagnio (a public bath) the following day. Catella, consumed

by jealousy and convinced of her husband’s infidelity, resolves to catch
him in the act. She secretly plans to go to the bagnio to confront him.

The next day, Ricciardo arrives at the bagnio, ensuring he is there

before Catella. When she enters, Ricciardo pretends to be Filippello,
carefully disguising his identity. Thinking she is with her husband,
Catella lets her guard down and spends the time with him.

After their tryst, Ricciardo reveals his true identity, shocking Catella.
She initially feels betrayed but quickly realizes the depth of Ricciardo’s
A KALEIDOSCOPE OF love and devotion. Flattered and touched by his efforts, she forgives
FLIRTATION AND FRACTURED his deception, and a romantic connection blossoms between them.
DECORUM, THE PIECE STRUTS

WITH THEATRICAL TENSION,
WHERE RICCIARDO’S PURSUIT This tale humorously underscores the dangers of jealousy and the
AND ZIMA’S SILENT CONSENT lengths one will go to for love. Ricciardo’s cleverness highlights both
UNFOLD INSIDE A TABLEAU OF
the folly and humanity of his actions, while Catella’s response reflects
OVERLOOKED AGENCY AND
the complexities of emotions and relationships.
CLEVER SUBVERSION.
DECAMERON 72 73