Introduction “The Tale of Griselda,” the final story in The Decameron, offers a stark departure from the humor and wit found in many of the earlier tales. It tells the story of a woman who endures unthinkable emotional cruelty at the hands of her husband, all in the name of loyalty and virtue. In this blog, I explore whether Griselda’s unwavering patience is a sign of strength...

Introduction Giovanni Boccaccio’s The Decameron is a treasure trove of human stories—humorous, tragic, satirical, and wise. One of the most haunting is the very first tale of the fourth day, told by Fiammetta: the story of Tancredi and Ghismonda. This tale of forbidden love, control, and tragedy is a powerful commentary on the harsh consequences of patriarchal authority and the...

This story from The Decameron, narrated by Panfilo, is a humorous but insightful story on friendship, appearance, and self-consciousness. Although the characters are not presentably good-looking, they exhibit smartness and quick wit. The story reminds us not to judge other people based on how they appear because we can also be judged similarly. In the tale, two men—Forese, a clever...

— Based on the seventh tale of Day Seven, The Decameron by Giovanni Boccaccio   Introduction: A Tale from the Past      Long before romance and comedy films began exploring themes of love, the writers from fourteenth century were already told stories rich in wisdom, humor, and moral reflection. Among the most influential literary figures of this period was Giovanni...

"Federigo’s Falcon" The Power of Noble Sacrifice and Human Dignity Introduction Giovanni Boccaccio’s The Decameron is a rich tapestry of one hundred stories told by ten young people seeking refuge from the Black Death in Florence. Among these tales, “Federigo’s Falcon” stands out as a poignant narrative exploring themes of love, sacrifice, and dignity. The story is...