Page 154 - Petru Russo | The 100 Days of Decameron by Giovanni Boccaccio
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Friar Rinaldo and Madonna Agnesa







































             This novella humorously recounts the tale of Friar Rinaldo, a         With remarkable composure, they concoct a clever ruse. They
              cunning friar, and Madonna Agnesa, a quick-witted woman, as they     convince the husband that Friar Rinaldo is performing a charm to
              navigate a precarious situation. Themes of deception, wit, and       cure their godson of worms. The friar, feigning solemnity, recites
              improvisation shape the story.                                       prayers and performs gestures to sell the act. The husband, none

                                                                                   the wiser, accepts their explanation and leaves them undisturbed.
              Friar Rinaldo, enamored with Madonna Agnesa, his gossip
              (godchild’s godmother), seizes an opportunity to be alone with       This witty tale concludes with Friar Rinaldo escaping unscathed,

              her. However, their secret meeting is interrupted when Agnesa’s      thanks to Agnesa’s quick thinking and their shared ability to
              husband unexpectedly returns home. Caught off guard, the friar       improvise under pressure.
              and Agnesa must think quickly to avoid suspicion.





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