The Decameron

The Decameron

by

Giovanni Boccaccio

Teachers and parents! Our Teacher Edition on The Decameron makes teaching easy.

Guillaume de Roussillon Character Analysis

In Filostrato’s fourth tale (IV, 9), Guillaume de Roussillon is a Provencal knight. When he discovers that his best friend, Guillaume de Cabestanh, is having an affair with his wife, he becomes one of the day’s unlucky lovers. In a jealous rage, he murders his friend and secretly feeds his heart to Roussillon’s Wife for dinner. After she commits suicide, he flees to avoid the dishonor of having been cuckolded, responsibility for Cabestanh’s death, and responsibility for his wife’s suicide.
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Guillaume de Roussillon Character Timeline in The Decameron

The timeline below shows where the character Guillaume de Roussillon appears in The Decameron. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Day 4: Ninth Tale
Love and Sex Theme Icon
In Provence, there are two grand knights who are the best of friends: Guillaume de Roussillon and Guillaume de Cabestanh. Cabestanh happens to fall hopelessly in love with Roussillon’s Wife; flattered... (full context)
Moderation and Excess Theme Icon
Roussillon invites Cabestanh to his home to discuss travel arrangements for an upcoming tournament, but he... (full context)
Love and Sex Theme Icon
Roussillon’s Wife, anticipating Cabestanh’s visit, is perturbed when her husband returns home alone. Roussillon gives the... (full context)
Love and Sex Theme Icon
Men and Women Theme Icon
Moderation and Excess Theme Icon
After a heavy silence, Roussillon’s Wife asks what Roussillon has given to her to eat. He confesses it was the... (full context)