In Dioneo’s fifth tale (V, 10), Ercolano is Pietro di Vinciolo’s friend. Their dinner is interrupted when Ercolano catches his wife’s lover hiding in a closet. He thus provides a foil or contrast for Pietro and his wife: while Ercolano beats his wife’s lover, Pietro shares his, to everyone’s mutual satisfaction.
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Ercolano Character Timeline in The Decameron
The timeline below shows where the character Ercolano appears in The Decameron. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Day 5: Tenth Tale
...men behind her husband’s back. One night, when Pietro plans to eat with his friend Ercolano, she arranges for a lover to visit. When Pietro comes home early, she hides the...
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