Fortune’s Reversals

The Decameron

This flow tracks fortune as a force that repeatedly alters wealth, safety, and status in the collection’s narratives.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Loss in Florence Loss in Florence from "The Decameron". Loss in Florence Public calamity The plague empties homes and overwhelms burial and care.

Loss in Florence Public calamity The plague empties homes and overwhelms burial and care. Wealth and social standing offer little protection from widespread death. The frame shifts outward The storytellers leave the city, creating distance from immediate catastrophe without denying it.

Andreuccio’s Three Reversals Andreuccio’s Three Reversals from "The Decameron". Andreuccio’s Three Reversals A merchant’s losses Andreuccio loses his money to a false sister, his clothing through a fall, and his safety during a tomb…

Andreuccio’s Three Reversals from "The Decameron". Andreuccio’s Three Reversals A merchant’s losses Andreuccio loses his money to a false sister, his clothing through a fall, and his safety during a tomb…

Andreuccio’s Three Reversals A merchant’s losses Andreuccio loses his money to a false sister, his clothing through a fall, and his safety during a tomb robbery. Recovery through contingency One mischance leads to another, but he survives and escapes with a ruby ring. Fortune’s course remains unpredictable rather than steadily punitive.

Landolfo’s Shipwreck Landolfo’s Shipwreck from "The Decameron". Landolfo’s Shipwreck Wealth lost twice Landolfo’s risky trading nearly ruins him; piracy restores his fortune, but Genoese raiders seize his ship and…

Landolfo’s Shipwreck from "The Decameron". Landolfo’s Shipwreck Wealth lost twice Landolfo’s risky trading nearly ruins him; piracy restores his fortune, but Genoese raiders seize his ship and…

Landolfo’s Shipwreck Wealth lost twice Landolfo’s risky trading nearly ruins him; piracy restores his fortune, but Genoese raiders seize his ship and possessions. A floating treasure A chest of jewels keeps him afloat and reaches Corfu. A poor woman rescues him, and he returns home richer than before.

The Lamberti Brothers’ Ruin The Lamberti Brothers’ Ruin from "The Decameron". The Lamberti Brothers’ Ruin Wealth recreated Three brothers recover their estates through moneylending in England, then resume extravagant spending when their…

The Lamberti Brothers’ Ruin from "The Decameron". The Lamberti Brothers’ Ruin Wealth recreated Three brothers recover their estates through moneylending in England, then resume extravagant spending when their…

The Lamberti Brothers’ Ruin Wealth recreated Three brothers recover their estates through moneylending in England, then resume extravagant spending when their business appears secure. Credit collapses War disrupts their revenues, creditors call in debts, and the brothers are imprisoned. The story shows prosperity’s dependence on forces outside their control.

Restoration at the End Restoration at the End from "The Decameron". Restoration at the End Fortune offers recovery Several tales end with reunited families, rewarded virtue, or restored wealth.

Restoration at the End from "The Decameron". Restoration at the End Fortune offers recovery Several tales end with reunited families, rewarded virtue, or restored wealth.

Restoration at the End Fortune offers recovery Several tales end with reunited families, rewarded virtue, or restored wealth. Their outcomes contrast with the deaths and losses of earlier days. No single rule The collection presents fortune as changeable rather than reliably just. Human choices shape how characters meet its reversals.

Spring 1348

One night in Naples

After Landolfo returns from the Aegean

After years of extravagant spending in Florence

The final day of storytelling