Page 128 - Petru Russo | The 100 Days of Decameron by Giovanni Boccaccio
P. 128
Madonna Oretta
This novella humorously explores storytelling and tact, as Madonna delivers it so poorly that it becomes a tiresome ordeal. Unable to
Oretta cleverly navigates an awkward situation. Themes of grace, endure the discomfort any longer, Madonna Oretta interrupts with
humor, and social wit frame the tale. a tactful and humorous remark, comparing the knight’s storytelling
to a bumpy and unpleasant ride. She politely requests to be
Madonna Oretta, a noble and intelligent lady, is traveling on “dismounted,” bringing the ill-told tale to an end.
horseback in the company of a knight. To make the journey more
entertaining, the knight offers to tell her a story, promising to carry This witty story concludes with Madonna Oretta’s sharp wit and
her “on horseback” with his tale. composure saving her from the knight’s clumsy narration, leaving
readers amused by her tactful yet pointed critique.
However, the knight’s storytelling quickly proves unbearable.
He stumbles through the narrative, losing track of the plot, and
DECAMERON 128 129
