The Decameron (Day Four / 5.8, 5.9, 5.10, 6.7, 6.10)

2) 5:9- What is your interpretation of the quote, “…I would much rather have a man who lacks money than money that lacks a man”? (pg. 431)


Monna Giovanna represents in a certain sense the classic 'tragic hero(ine)'. Following the tragedy of losing her child, she undergoes a catharsis in a way, and she realizes the truth of what it means to be an honorable man. This quote encapsulates this sentiment. Instead of the capitalist/mercantilist/materialistic view of men being the bread earner and supporter of a woman solely for superficial physical needs, Monna Giovanna holds the perspective that a man's true honor lies in his nobility of character. Federigo's outstanding devotion to his lady, even though she had until marriage continually spited him, earned him her hand in marriage and her wealth. Thus does Bocaccio lay before us the moral that a man is more than his wealth and influence, that even a humble hermit with nothing more than a falcon can easily weigh up against the likes of counts and kings.


5) 6:10- Explain how Brother Cipolla uses wit to his advantage to escape a tough situation? Use contextual evidence.


This is the story of modern evangelism! Watch, brothers and sisters, watch "my children" (?!) as I heal this wretch before me! Brother Cipolla puts the peasantry in a daze with his slough of tales from his travels. By doing this he enables himself to describe something as simple as a piece of charcoal as something to be incredibly revered. His wit lies both in the quick thinking of turning the situation into a God driven event and, as mentioned, in using his worldly travels as a precursor. Speaking more on this point, as the narrator describes in a side note "most of the people there had never heard of [a parrot]" (474). Brother Cipolla understands this well, of course, and is filled with glee to pull this religious shroud over the commoners' heads. I suppose I see this less as Brother Cipolla using his wit only to get himself out of a tough situation and more using his wit to increase his spectacle of grandeur. Another strong example of Bocaccio's strong disrespect for the Church and its "teachings".