Cesca Character Analysis in The Decameron

In Emilia’s sixth tale (VI, 8), Cesca is the spoiled niece of Fresco da Celatico. Cesca is an unflattering caricature of a stuck-up, unintelligent, and impatient girl. In a day of tales that are frequently concerned with the power that women gain through wit and wisdom, Cesca provides an unflattering counterexample of how unpleasant an unintelligent woman can be.

Cesca Character Timeline in The Decameron

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

A gentleman named Fresco da Celatico has a niece called Cesca. She’s pretty enough, but she has a high opinion of herself and criticizes everything and... (full context)

One day, Cesca returns from a walk “fretting and fuming.” When Fresco da Celatico asks her why she’s... (full context)