The Decameron · Chapter
The Seventh Story explained
Bergamino tells a story about Primasso and the Abbot of Cluny to courteously rebuke Messer Cane della Scala for his sudden parsimony.
What happens
Bergamino tells a story about Primasso and the Abbot of Cluny to courteously rebuke Messer Cane della Scala for his sudden parsimony. Messer Cane, a magnificent nobleman, had unexpectedly become stingy, leaving Bergamino without support. Bergamino's tale of Primasso, who was initially denied hospitality by the Abbot but later honored, prompts Messer Cane to recognize his own niggardliness and reward Bergamino generously.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Morality
The story critiques the sudden parsimony of a nobleman and contrasts it with the expected generosity of the wealthy, highlighting moral expectations tied to social status.
Wit and Cunning
Bergamino uses a clever story about Primasso to indirectly rebuke Messer Cane, demonstrating the power of wit and storytelling to address social wrongs.
Characters to notice
Key passages
“It is a fine thing, noble ladies, to hit a mark that never stirreth; but it is well-nigh miraculous if, when some unwonted thing appeareth of a sudden, it be forthright stricken of an archer.”
It is easy to criticize something that is always the same, but it is nearly miraculous to immediately address a sudden and unexpected change.
Filostrato introduces the story by praising the ability to respond quickly to new situations.
“Messer Cane della Scala, to whom in many things fortune was favourable, was one of the most notable and most magnificent gentlemen that have been known in Italy since the days of the Emperor Frederick the Second.”
Messer Cane della Scala, favored by fortune, was one of the most remarkable and generous noblemen in Italy since Emperor Frederick the Second.
Describes the reputation of Messer Cane before his sudden change in behavior.
“Alack, what new maggot is this that is come into my head today? What avarice! What despite! And for whom?”
Oh, what strange thought has entered my mind today? What greed! What spite! And for whom?
The Abbot of Cluny reflects on his uncharacteristic stinginess toward Primasso.