Ginevra’s Ordeal and Recovery

The Decameron

This flow traces the escalation from a wager over female fidelity to a husband’s false judgment and a public reversal.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Fidelity Challenged Fidelity Challenged from "The Decameron". Fidelity Challenged Competing claims Bernabo declares Ginevra unusually virtuous, while Ambrogiuolo argues that no woman can resist persistent pursuit.

Fidelity Challenged from "The Decameron". Fidelity Challenged Competing claims Bernabo declares Ginevra unusually virtuous, while Ambrogiuolo argues that no woman can resist persistent pursuit.

Fidelity Challenged Competing claims Bernabo declares Ginevra unusually virtuous, while Ambrogiuolo argues that no woman can resist persistent pursuit. A wager escalates The men stake money on the claim, turning a debate into a dangerous test of Ginevra’s reputation.

Evidence Invented Evidence Invented from "The Decameron". Evidence Invented A clandestine intrusion Ambrogiuolo hides in a chest and enters Ginevra’s chamber while she sleeps.

Evidence Invented from "The Decameron". Evidence Invented A clandestine intrusion Ambrogiuolo hides in a chest and enters Ginevra’s chamber while she sleeps.

Evidence Invented A clandestine intrusion Ambrogiuolo hides in a chest and enters Ginevra’s chamber while she sleeps. He steals her belongings and notes the mole beneath her breast. A lie succeeds He uses these details to persuade Bernabo that the wager has been lost. The husband treats stolen knowledge as proof of adultery.

The Order to Kill The Order to Kill from "The Decameron". The Order to Kill Judgment without inquiry Bernabo returns toward Genoa consumed by shame and anger.

The Order to Kill from "The Decameron". The Order to Kill Judgment without inquiry Bernabo returns toward Genoa consumed by shame and anger.

The Order to Kill Judgment without inquiry Bernabo returns toward Genoa consumed by shame and anger. He sends a servant to murder Ginevra rather than hear her defense. A narrow reprieve The servant accepts her plea and lets her escape in his clothing. Ginevra survives but must abandon her identity and home.

The Story Repeated in Acre The Story Repeated in Acre from "The Decameron". The Story Repeated in Acre The deceiver boasts Years later, Ambrogiuolo retells the wager and his supposed conquest of Ginevra.

The Story Repeated in Acre from "The Decameron". The Story Repeated in Acre The deceiver boasts Years later, Ambrogiuolo retells the wager and his supposed conquest of Ginevra.

The Story Repeated in Acre The deceiver boasts Years later, Ambrogiuolo retells the wager and his supposed conquest of Ginevra. Sicurano recognizes both the objects and the falsehood. Evidence gathered Ginevra arranges for Bernabo to be brought to Alexandria and secures an opportunity to test Ambrogiuolo’s story before Saladin.

Truth and Punishment Truth and Punishment from "The Decameron". Truth and Punishment Public exposure Ambrogiuolo admits that he entered Ginevra’s chamber and stole the evidence.

Truth and Punishment from "The Decameron". Truth and Punishment Public exposure Ambrogiuolo admits that he entered Ginevra’s chamber and stole the evidence.

Truth and Punishment Public exposure Ambrogiuolo admits that he entered Ginevra’s chamber and stole the evidence. Ginevra reveals her identity and confronts both men. Reversal of judgment Saladin orders Ambrogiuolo punished, while Ginevra forgives Bernabo. The conflict ends with her honor restored and her husband alive.

Before the wager in Paris

During Ambrogiuolo’s stay in Genoa

After Bernabo hears Ambrogiuolo’s report

At the merchants’ fair in Acre

After Ambrogiuolo confesses