Page 142 - Petru Russo | The 100 Days of Decameron by Giovanni Boccaccio
P. 142
Fresco and His Niece
This novella humorously recounts the tale of Fresco and his vain One day, Fresco, exasperated by her vanity and self-absorption,
niece, offering a sharp commentary on self-obsession and wit. delivers a cutting yet humorous admonishment. He advises her to
Themes of vanity, humor, and clever rebuke shape the story. stop looking at herself in the mirror if she finds it so distressing to
see unpleasant people. His quip leaves her speechless, exposing
Fresco, a practical and straightforward man, grows weary of his the irony of her complaints and her inflated self-regard.
niece’s constant complaints about the unpleasantness of others.
She frequently laments how grievous it is for her to encounter This witty tale concludes with Fresco’s clever remark serving as a
“nasty folk,” all while admiring herself in the mirror. gentle yet effective critique of his niece’s vanity, leaving readers
amused by his sharp wit and her humbled silence.
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