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The Decameron · Chapter

Day the Seventh explained

On the seventh day, the brigata continues their storytelling under the rule of Dioneo, who has chosen the theme of tales about wives who play tricks on their husbands.

What happens

On the seventh day, the brigata continues their storytelling under the rule of Dioneo, who has chosen the theme of tales about wives who play tricks on their husbands. The stories celebrate female cunning and wit, often with humorous and ironic outcomes.

Themes in this chapter

  • Wit and Cunning

    The tales of Day the Seventh center on wives using clever tricks to outwit their husbands, celebrating female intelligence and resourcefulness.

  • Gender and Power

    The stories explore the dynamics of marital power, with wives subverting traditional gender roles through deception.

Characters to notice

  • Dioneo

    King of the day, sets the theme of wives tricking husbands.

  • Lauretta

    Member of the brigata, participates in storytelling.

  • Pampinea

    Member of the brigata, participates in storytelling.

  • Fiammetta

    Member of the brigata, participates in storytelling.

  • Filostrato

    Member of the brigata, participates in storytelling.

Key passages

  • Day the Seventh

    The seventh day of storytelling begins.

    Opening of the chapter.