Page 146 - Petru Russo | The 100 Days of Decameron by Giovanni Boccaccio
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Brother Cipolla
This novella hilariously critiques gullibility and religious hypocrisy When Fra Cipolla opens the reliquary to present the feather, he
through the antics of Fra Cipolla, a witty and resourceful friar. discovers the coals instead. Unfazed, he quickly claims they are
Themes of wit, deception, and storytelling frame this satirical tale. the coals upon which St. Lawrence was roasted, spinning the tale
with such fervor that the audience is captivated and none suspect
Fra Cipolla, a charismatic preacher, visits a village to show a the switch.
sacred relic: a feather of the Angel Gabriel. Drawn by his charm
and promise, the country folk gather in anticipation. However, two This witty story underscores Fra Cipolla’s adaptability and
mischievous friends decide to play a prank on the friar by stealing highlights the villagers’ credulity, offering a humorous commentary
the feather and replacing it with coals. on the manipulation of faith and the power of charismatic
storytelling.
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