Catella Character Analysis in The Decameron

Catella is the object of Ricciardo Minutolo’s affections in Fiammetta’s third tale (III, 6). Her extreme and jealous devotion to her husband, Filippello Sighinolfo, leaves her vulnerable to Ricciardo’s manipulations. She demonstrates the dangers of immoderation (even immoderate love for one’s spouse), and the punishment for her immoderation highlights the inherent vulnerability of women to male subterfuge and blackmail.

Catella Character Timeline in The Decameron

The timeline below shows where the character Catella appears in The Decameron. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...ingenious lover coerces the prudish object of his desire into his embraces. Ricciardo Minutolo loves Catella, the wife of Filippello Sighinolfo. But because she is truly devoted to her husband, all... (full context)

Catella is jealous of Filippello to the point of fearing that the “very birds flying in... (full context)

...with his wife at a bath house, he felt the time had come to tell Catella. He suggests that Catella hide herself in his wife’s place in order to surprise her... (full context)

...Minutolo hides himself in the darkest room of the bath house, where he waits for Catella’s arrival. Her suspicions were confirmed the previous evening when Filippello was less affectionate than usual,... (full context)

Ricciardo Minutolo enjoys Catella’s speech. When she tells “Filippello” that maybe she should repay him by taking Minutolo as... (full context)