Page 72 - Petru Russo | The 100 Days of Decameron by Giovanni Boccaccio
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Ricciardo and Catella
This novella tells the cunning and humorous tale of Ricciardo The next day, Ricciardo arrives at the bagnio, ensuring he is there
Minutolo, who employs wit and deceit to win the affections of the before Catella. When she enters, Ricciardo pretends to be Filippello,
jealous Catella, wife of Filippello Fighinolfi. Themes of jealousy, carefully disguising his identity. Thinking she is with her husband,
clever manipulation, and human folly are central to this story. Catella lets her guard down and spends the time with him.
Ricciardo, deeply in love with the beautiful Catella, is undeterred After their tryst, Ricciardo reveals his true identity, shocking
by the fact that she is married to Filippello. Knowing Catella’s Catella. She initially feels betrayed but quickly realizes the depth of
jealous nature, he devises a scheme to gain her favor and prove her Ricciardo’s love and devotion. Flattered and touched by his efforts,
vulnerabilities. she forgives his deception, and a romantic connection blossoms
between them.
Ricciardo spreads a false rumor that his own wife is planning to
meet Filippello at a bagnio (a public bath) the following day. Catella, This tale humorously underscores the dangers of jealousy and the
consumed by jealousy and convinced of her husband’s infidelity, lengths one will go to for love. Ricciardo’s cleverness highlights
resolves to catch him in the act. She secretly plans to go to the both the folly and humanity of his actions, while Catella’s response
bagnio to confront him. reflects the complexities of emotions and relationships.
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