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

5.8 - Where do Nostagio’s intentions originate, out of fear, love, or even simply trickery and deceit?

Nostagio chooses to reveal the fates of the woman and the knight to the one he adores. Clearly he held some amount of fear for his own salvation after seeing the fate of the lonesome knight; a fate Nostagio thought of prior to seeing such apparitions. He had a fear in his heart that one day, without his interference, he would suffer a similar fate. Therefore he took into his own hands to device this trick to seal his and his love’s fate in happiness. Through observation his intentions were shrouded in deceit yet originated in love. He had this intense love for her that would eventually drive them both to a painful and bitter end. In a manner he saved both their souls and through his deceit, fear, and love sowed a path to a righteous end for them both.

5.10 - Do you support the decisions of Pietro's wife? How do you feel about the ending?

Although morally we are inclined to support Pietro in this situation, the manner in which the story is told forces our sympathies upon his wife. She simply receives no gratitude or love from him thus she is forced to find these other lovers. I don’t necessarily support the decisions yet sympathize with her position. I found the ending to be odd though appropriate for the Decameron. The man and his wife shared the lover. It emphasized the overall depravity and care-free attitude of the people of the Decameron. Sin is commonplace and sex is the reward.