Page 20 - Petru Russo | The 100 Days of Decameron by Giovanni Boccaccio

Abraham and Jehannot de Chevigny
The second story of The Decameron delves into the theme of
spiritual transformation through the friendship of Abraham, a
wealthy Jew, and Jehannot de Chevigny, a devout Christian.
Jehannot, driven by sincere faith, encourages Abraham to convert
to Christianity. Skeptical but curious, Abraham decides to
undertake a journey to Rome, the heart of Christendom, to observe
the clergy’s behavior before making a decision.
Upon reaching Rome, Abraham witnesses widespread corruption,
greed, and moral decay among the clergy. Rather than dissuading
him, this paradoxical spectacle convinces Abraham of the
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resilience and divine truth of Christianity. He reasons that only a
faith ordained by God could endure and thrive despite the moral
failings of its leaders. With this profound realization, Abraham
returns to Paris and embraces Christianity, surprising Jehannot and
affirming his friend’s efforts.
Through humor, moral insight, and the unlikeliest of outcomes, this
novella exemplifies Boccaccio’s ability to explore profound themes
with wit and nuance. Abraham’s journey serves as a reminder of
faith’s resilience, while the engraving immortalizes this exploration
with dynamic energy and artistry.
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