Page 186 - Petru Russo | The 100 Days of Decameron by Giovanni Boccaccio

Neighbors in Harmony: Spinelloccio and Zeppa
This novella humorously recounts the tale of Spinelloccio Tavena
and Zeppa di Mino, two friends entangled in a web of infidelity and
playful revenge. Themes of jealousy, wit, and retribution shape the
story.
Spinelloccio and Zeppa, neighbors and close companions, live in
apparent harmony. However, Spinelloccio begins an affair with
Zeppa’s wife, betraying the friendship. Zeppa, discovering the
deceit, devises a cunning plan with the help of his wife to teach
Spinelloccio a lesson.
The tale concludes with the restoration of friendship and a return
Feigning ignorance of the affair, Zeppa invites Spinelloccio to
his home. There, he tricks him into entering a chest under the
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pretense of hiding for a game. Once Spinelloccio is locked inside,
Zeppa seizes the opportunity to visit Spinelloccio’s house, where
he lies with Spinelloccio’s wife.
Afterward, Zeppa returns home, releases Spinelloccio from the
chest, and slyly reveals the truth. Spinelloccio, realizing he has
been outmaneuvered, cannot but accept his own duplicity and
Zeppa’s poetic revenge. The two men reconcile, each agreeing to
forgive and forget their mutual betrayals.
to peaceful coexistence, highlighting the humor and absurdity of
human relationships.
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