Page 156 - Petru Russo | The 100 Days of Decameron by Giovanni Boccaccio

Love and Lies: Tofano and Ghita
This novella humorously recounts the tale of Tofano and Ghita, a
couple entangled in jealousy and cunning deception. Themes of
mistrust, wit, and poetic justice shape the story.
Tofano, a jealous and controlling husband, grows suspicious of
his wife, Ghita. One night, in a fit of anger, he locks her out of
the house, refusing to let her back in despite her pleas. Ghita,
undeterred, devises a clever plan to turn the tables on him.
Feigning despair, Ghita loudly declares her intention to throw
herself into a nearby well. To make her act convincing, she hurls
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a large stone into the water, creating a dramatic splash. Believing
she has followed through on her threat, Tofano rushes out of the
house to save her.
While Tofano frantically searches the well, Ghita seizes the
opportunity to slip back into the house and lock the door behind
her. From the safety of the house, she berates Tofano, leaving him
humiliated and stranded outside.
This witty tale concludes with Ghita triumphing over her husband’s
jealousy, showcasing her intelligence and resourcefulness in the
face of his mistrust.
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