The Decameron’s Federigo’s Falcon

Bocaccio’s ‘‘Federigo’s Falcon’’ is a story told within the larger

framework of the Decameron. ‘‘Federigo’s Falcon’’ is the ninth story told on
the fifth day. It is offered by Fiammetta, the young woman elected queen for
the day.

Fiammetta opens the story by urging the women in the group not to
discriminate among potential suitors regardless of ‘‘chance or fortune.’’
Fiammetta then tells of a young man, a gentleman named Federigo, a
member of the wealthy and respected Alberighi family. As Fiammetta’s
narration continues, she reveals that Federigo loves the rich and beautiful
Monna Giovanna. Despite the fact that Giovanna is already married, in order
to win her heart Federigo holds feasts and tournaments in her honor and
sends her expensive gifts. In spite of the lavishness of his offerings, however,
the lady is unmoved by Federigo’s displays of affection. Federigo loses the
entirety of his wealth in pursuit of Giovanna. He retains only a small farm,
where he takes up residence, and his prized falcon. Meanwhile, Giovanna’s
husband eventually becomes sick and dies, leaving his wealth to his son and,
in the event of his son’s death, to Giovanna.

The widow Giovanna, Fiammetta informs the reader, moves to the

country; her estate is near Federigo’s now impoverished farm. Giovanna’s son
spends much of his time wandering the countryside and comes to know
Federigo and his falcon. The young boy loves Federigo’s falcon and wishes it
to be his. The child becomes very ill. Giovanna scarcely leaves his side and
promises him anything his heart desires, hoping this will enable him to
recover. The boy tells his mother that if she can procure Federigo’s falcon for
him, he believes his sickness will be cured. Giovanna resolves to ask
Federigo for his falcon, knowing it is all he has left in the world but believing
she must try and save her son.

The next morning, Giovanna sets off, certain that Federigo will be
pleased to see her. Federigo hurries to greet her. Giovanna appeals to his
former feelings for her, telling her onetime suitor that she has come to make
amends for anything he might have suffered in pursuit of her by offering to
dine with him. Federigo, humbled and happy to receive her, promises her a
meal. Once alone, Federigo despairs that he has nothing to offer Giovanna.
Moved by the love he still feels for Giovanna, Federigo is convinced he must
offer her something in order to demonstrate his honor and respect for the lady.
Having no money, refusing to beg for goods, and knowing none of his poor
neighbors have anything they can lend him, Federigo realizes he has but one
thing with which to make a meal: his falcon. After cleaning and roasting the
bird and setting the table, Federigo offers the meal to Giovanna. After dining
on Federigo’s falcon, Giovanna reveals to Federigo her reason for visiting him.
Giovanna begins by acknowledging Federigo’s former pursuit of her. She
describes a mother’s love for her child. After expressing her understanding of
Federigo’s situation—that he has lost his fortune and now has nothing left
except his falcon—Giovanna goes on to explain how ill her son is, and how
much he loves Federigo’s falcon. Claiming to make her request not on the
grounds of Federigo’s love for her but only based on her understanding of his
kind and gentle nature, Giovanna tells Federigo that if she does not return
home with Federigo’s falcon, she fears her son will die.

Speechless, Federigo begins to weep. Federigo tells Giovanna how, out of

respect and love for her, he made a feast for her of the only thing he had, his
falcon. Giovanna first scolds him for having killed such a rare bird for the base
purpose of appeasing a woman’s appetite. At the same time, Giovanna
inwardly marks the nobility of Federigo’s actions and understands that despite
his poverty Federigo has remained a true gentleman. She returns home to her
son after thanking him. Shortly thereafter, Giovanna’s son dies. After a period
of time has passed, Giovanna’s family encourages her to marry again, as ‘‘she
was very rich, and yet but young.’’ Giovanna tells her family that she does not
mind living without a husband and that she is content. However, if they insist
she marry, she will have no one except Federigo. Initially Giovanna’s family
members protest that Federigo is but a poor beggar, but Giovanna defends
him, acknowledging his lack of wealth but praising him as a gentleman.
Eventually, Giovanna’s family consents to the match, and Giovanna showers
her wealth upon her new husband. The couple, as the story concludes, ‘‘lived
and loved in equal joy and happiness.’’
COMPREHENSION QUESTION:

1. What is the main theme of the story "Federigo's Falcon"?

a) Love and sacrifice
b) Wealth and power
c) Friendship and loyalty
d) Revenge and betrayal

2. Why does Federigo lose his wealth?a) He spends it all on feasts and
tournaments
b) He is robbed by thieves
c) He donates it to charity
d) He invests it in a failed business venture

3. What does Federigo have left after losing his wealth?a) A small farm and a
falcon
b) A large mansion and a horse
c) A boat and a fishing net
d) A treasure chest and a map

4. Why does Giovanna visit Federigo?a) To apologize for rejecting his love
b) To ask for his falcon to cure her son
c) To invite him to a feast at her house
d) To offer him a job on her estate

5. How does Federigo feel when Giovanna asks for his falcon?
a) Angry and resentful
b) Happy and excited
c) Sad and disappointed
d) Indifferent and apathetic

6. What does Giovanna think of Federigo's actions?

a) She scolds him for killing the falcon
b) She admires his sacrifice and nobility
c) She is indifferent and doesn't care
d) She thinks he is foolish and naive
7. What happens to Giovanna's son?
a) He recovers from his illness
b) He becomes even sicker
c) He runs away from home
d) He dies

8. How does Giovanna's family initially react to her desire to marry Federigo?
a) They are supportive and happy for her
b) They are hesitant and unsure
c) They are angry and disapprove
d) They are indifferent and don't care

9. Why does Giovanna defend Federigo to her family?

a) Because he is rich and powerful
b) Because he is handsome and charming
c) Because he is a true gentleman
d) Because he is the only option she has

10. How do Federigo and Giovanna live after they get married?
a) They live in poverty and misery
b) They live in wealth and luxury
c) They live in equal joy and happiness
d) They live in constant conflict and arguments