Page 58 - Petru Russo | The 100 Days of Decameron by Giovanni Boccaccio
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Paganino of Monaco and Ricciardo
This novella from The Decameron tells the story of Messer respect, offering her a life of adventure and freedom that contrasts
Ricciardo di Chinzica, his spirited wife, and the bold seafarer sharply with her previous life.
Paganino da Monaco. It explores themes of freedom, self-
determination, and the nature of love. Ricciardo, determined to reclaim his wife, learns of her
whereabouts and seeks out Paganino. He approaches Paganino in
Messer Ricciardo, a judge of great learning but advanced age, a friendly manner, requesting his wife’s return. Paganino agrees,
marries a much younger woman. He demands absolute control but only if the wife consents to go with her husband. To Ricciardo’s
over her, especially in matters of intimacy, restricting her desires dismay, his wife refuses, declaring her newfound happiness and
and stifling her freedom. His obsession with propriety results in an autonomy with Paganino.
unhappy and unfulfilled marriage.
Broken-hearted, Ricciardo returns home alone and later dies. The
During a journey with her husband, the young wife is captured wife, now free from her constraining marriage, chooses to marry
by Paganino da Monaco, a daring and charming pirate. Paganino, Paganino, finding joy and companionship in their union. Together,
captivated by her beauty and wit, treats her with kindness and they begin a new life, founded on mutual respect and affection.
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