Titus and Gisippus’s Friendship

The Decameron

This flow traces a friendship that survives romantic conflict, sacrifice, exile, poverty, and a shared willingness to face death.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Friends in Athens Friends in Athens from "The Decameron". Friends in Athens A close bond Titus Quintius Fulvus and Gisippus study together in Athens and become inseparable companions.

Friends in Athens from "The Decameron". Friends in Athens A close bond Titus Quintius Fulvus and Gisippus study together in Athens and become inseparable companions.

Friends in Athens A close bond Titus Quintius Fulvus and Gisippus study together in Athens and become inseparable companions. Each finds in the other a trusted friend. A household connection Titus lives in Chremes’ home with Gisippus. Their shared life makes friendship resemble chosen kinship.

Sophronia Betrothed Sophronia Betrothed from "The Decameron". Sophronia Betrothed A marriage arranged Gisippus’s family chooses Sophronia for him.

Sophronia Betrothed from "The Decameron". Sophronia Betrothed A marriage arranged Gisippus’s family chooses Sophronia for him.

Sophronia Betrothed A marriage arranged Gisippus’s family chooses Sophronia for him. Titus sees her and falls deeply in love, though he tries to hide his passion. Friendship tested Titus’s illness reveals the strength of his desire. Gisippus recognizes that the woman promised to him is the cause.

A Bride Shared A Bride Shared from "The Decameron". A Bride Shared Gisippus’s decision Gisippus chooses friendship over possession and secretly allows Titus to take his place.

A Bride Shared from "The Decameron". A Bride Shared Gisippus’s decision Gisippus chooses friendship over possession and secretly allows Titus to take his place.

A Bride Shared Gisippus’s decision Gisippus chooses friendship over possession and secretly allows Titus to take his place. He arranges the marriage so that Sophronia believes Titus is her intended husband. A costly generosity Titus and Sophronia wed, while Gisippus relinquishes the match. The choice deepens their friendship but leaves the truth concealed.

Gisippus in Rome Gisippus in Rome from "The Decameron". Gisippus in Rome Reversal of fortune Exiled from Athens and reduced to poverty, Gisippus comes to Rome and finds Titus prosperous.

Gisippus in Rome from "The Decameron". Gisippus in Rome Reversal of fortune Exiled from Athens and reduced to poverty, Gisippus comes to Rome and finds Titus prosperous.

Gisippus in Rome Reversal of fortune Exiled from Athens and reduced to poverty, Gisippus comes to Rome and finds Titus prosperous. He believes his old friend has rejected him. Despair confessed In distress, Gisippus claims responsibility for a murder, hoping for execution rather than continued misery. His confession brings Titus face to face with their bond.

Shared Confession Shared Confession from "The Decameron". Shared Confession Titus intervenes Titus recognizes Gisippus and claims the murder as his own.

Shared Confession from "The Decameron". Shared Confession Titus intervenes Titus recognizes Gisippus and claims the murder as his own.

Shared Confession Titus intervenes Titus recognizes Gisippus and claims the murder as his own. Gisippus responds by insisting that he is guilty, and the two friends contend over who will face death. Friendship vindicated The actual murderer confesses, and Octavianus releases them. Titus restores Gisippus’s fortune and gives him a sister in marriage.

During their philosophical studies

After Chremes’s death

Before Sophronia’s wedding

Years later, after political exile

During the Roman murder inquiry