Page 208 - Petru Russo | The 100 Days of Decameron by Giovanni Boccaccio

Biondello and Ciacco
This novella tells the humorous tale of Biondello and Ciacco, two
Florentine men whose playful antics take an unexpected turn.
Themes of wit, retaliation, and social satire underscore the story.
Biondello, a charming and clever young man, and Ciacco, a
known glutton, frequently engage in lighthearted pranks. One day,
Biondello decides to exploit Ciacco’s love of fine food by tricking
him into seeking an extravagant breakfast that does not exist.
Biondello claims that a wealthy merchant has invited Ciacco to a
sumptuous meal featuring delicacies such as capons and fine wine.
Eager to indulge, Ciacco arrives at the merchant’s home, only to be
met with confusion and ridicule. Embarrassed by the humiliation,
Ciacco vows to exact his revenge.
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Determined to outwit Biondello, Ciacco crafts a cunning scheme.
He spreads word that a high-ranking Florentine official wishes
to hire Biondello for an important task. Intrigued and flattered,
Biondello arrives at the official’s home, dressed in his finest attire.
To his horror, he is greeted not with an opportunity but with the
official’s servants, who, believing him to be a thief, administer a
sound beating.
Humiliated and sore, Biondello realizes he has fallen victim to
Ciacco’s clever retaliation. Though the prank war ends with
Biondello’s defeat, both men come to admire the other’s ingenuity,
cementing their camaraderie with laughter and mutual respect.
This playful tale highlights the enduring wit and vibrancy of human
nature, while poking fun at vanity and excessive indulgence.
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