The Lovers’ Search for Reunion

The Decameron

This flow follows separated lovers who endure loss, travel, and changed circumstances before reaching a reunion or marriage.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Costanza and Martuccio Costanza and Martuccio from "The Decameron". Costanza and Martuccio Love opposed by poverty Costanza and Martuccio love each other, but her father refuses their marriage because Martuccio is poor.

Costanza and Martuccio from "The Decameron". Costanza and Martuccio Love opposed by poverty Costanza and Martuccio love each other, but her father refuses their marriage because Martuccio is poor.

Costanza and Martuccio Love opposed by poverty Costanza and Martuccio love each other, but her father refuses their marriage because Martuccio is poor. Departure for fortune Martuccio leaves Lipari, determined to win wealth. Costanza remains behind, emotionally bound to him despite the separation.

News of Death News of Death from "The Decameron". News of Death A false report Martuccio’s capture and disappearance lead people in Lipari to believe that he has drowned.

News of Death from "The Decameron". News of Death A false report Martuccio’s capture and disappearance lead people in Lipari to believe that he has drowned.

News of Death A false report Martuccio’s capture and disappearance lead people in Lipari to believe that he has drowned. Costanza hears the report and loses hope. A solitary voyage Unable to bear her grief, she steals a boat and drifts toward Barbary, intending to die at sea rather than live without him.

Separated in Susa Separated in Susa from "The Decameron". Separated in Susa Rescue by Carapresa Carapresa finds Costanza, takes pity on her, and brings her to a compassionate Saracen woman’s household.

Separated in Susa from "The Decameron". Separated in Susa Rescue by Carapresa Carapresa finds Costanza, takes pity on her, and brings her to a compassionate Saracen woman’s household.

Separated in Susa Rescue by Carapresa Carapresa finds Costanza, takes pity on her, and brings her to a compassionate Saracen woman’s household. A life rebuilt temporarily Costanza learns the local language and works among the women. Her survival depends on help from strangers, while she remains ignorant of Martuccio’s fate.

Martuccio’s Counsel Martuccio’s Counsel from "The Decameron". Martuccio’s Counsel A captive proves useful Martuccio advises the King of Tunis to equip his archers with narrow bowstrings and specially notched arrows.

Martuccio’s Counsel from "The Decameron". Martuccio’s Counsel A captive proves useful Martuccio advises the King of Tunis to equip his archers with narrow bowstrings and specially notched arrows.

Martuccio’s Counsel A captive proves useful Martuccio advises the King of Tunis to equip his archers with narrow bowstrings and specially notched arrows. The tactic helps defeat a rival claimant. Fortune changes The king rewards Martuccio with wealth and favor. Reports of his survival reach Costanza and rekindle her hope.

Reunion and Marriage Reunion and Marriage from "The Decameron". Reunion and Marriage Recognition Costanza and Martuccio meet again, each astonished that the other survived. They recount their separate ordeals.

Reunion and Marriage from "The Decameron". Reunion and Marriage Recognition Costanza and Martuccio meet again, each astonished that the other survived. They recount their separate ordeals.

Reunion and Marriage Recognition Costanza and Martuccio meet again, each astonished that the other survived. They recount their separate ordeals. A fulfilled union The king honors their love, gives them gifts, and permits their marriage. They return to Lipari together and live happily.

Before Martuccio leaves Lipari

After Martuccio is captured in North Africa

After the boat reaches the shore near Susa

During the conflict over Tunis

After Costanza reaches Tunis