Giovanna, the object of Federigo’s affections, appears in Fiammetta’s fifth tale (V, 9). She spurns his advances while her husband is alive to preserve her honor. But when she’s left a young widow with a sick son, her maternal devotion overcomes her scruples, and she takes advantage of Federigo’s affection for her to ask for the prized hawk that her son covets. When Federigo gives it to her gallantly, demonstrating his steadfast devotion and noble manners, she comes to love him and eventually takes him as her second husband. Although her reformation happens more gently, she, like Paolo’s Daughter, demonstrates the “cruel” lady transformed.
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Giovanna Character Timeline in The Decameron
The timeline below shows where the character Giovanna appears in The Decameron. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Day 5: Ninth Tale
...Alberighi’s son Federigo is well-regarded for his chivalrous deeds and refined manners. Federigo loves Monna Giovanna, one of the city’s loveliest and most charming women. But because she’s as chaste as...
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Monna Giovanna’s husband dies, leaving her a widow with a young son. Every summer, they go to...
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Federigo is astonished the following morning to find Giovanna at his gate. She says that she’s come to make amends for his suffering on...
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Monna Giovanna initially reproaches Federigo for killing the bird but realizes the generosity of spirit he showed...
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