# Day the Fourth explained — The Decameron

> Chapter companion for The Decameron by Giovanni Boccaccio.

## What happens

The fourth day of storytelling begins under the rule of Filostrato, who sets a theme of tragic love stories. The tales often involve lovers who face cruel fates, separation, or death, highlighting the power of love and the suffering it can bring.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Desire

The central theme of the day's stories, focusing on passionate but doomed love.

### Suffering and Redemption

The tragic outcomes of love stories highlight suffering, with little redemption.

## Character check-ins

### Filostrato

Ruler of the fourth day, sets the theme of tragic love.

### Ghismonda

Central figure in the first story of the day, a tragic love tale.

### Tancred

Ghismonda's father, whose actions lead to tragedy.

### Guiscardo

Ghismonda's lover, executed by Tancred.

## Key lines

> Filostrato begins the day's storytelling with a tale of Ghismonda, a princess who falls in love with a commoner.

Filostrato opens the fourth day with a story about Ghismonda, a princess who loves a man of lower status.

_Sets the tragic tone for the day._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_decameron_se/chapters/day-the-fourth
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_decameron_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_decameron_se/chapters