Page 196 - Petru Russo | The 100 Days of Decameron by Giovanni Boccaccio
P. 196
Isabetta’s Ingenious Defense
This novella humorously explores themes of hypocrisy, quick However, Isabetta, noticing the abbess’s unusual headgear, cleverly
thinking, and the subversion of authority within a convent. The tale points it out. The abbess, realizing her blunder and compromised
centers on Isabetta, a clever nun, and an abbess, both caught in position, is left embarrassed and speechless.
compromising situations.
Seizing the moment, Isabetta boldly implies the abbess’s own
Isabetta, accused of harboring her lover in her quarters, faces indiscretions make her unfit to pass judgment. Forced to drop the
judgment from the abbess. The abbess, eager to expose Isabetta, matter, the abbess acquits Isabetta and refrains from interfering
rises hastily in the dark of night to catch her in the act. In her in her personal affairs again. With the abbess’s silence assured,
rush, the abbess mistakenly dons the breeches of a priest, her own Isabetta finds it easier to continue meeting her lover undisturbed.
secret love, thinking they are her veil.
This witty tale highlights the absurdity of moral hypocrisy and
The abbess storms into Isabetta’s chamber, ready to condemn her. celebrates Isabetta’s sharp wit and resourcefulness.
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