Gentile de’ Carisendi Character Analysis in The Decameron

Gentile de’ Carisendi is the generous protagonist of Lauretta’s tenth tale (X, 4). When he accidentally discovers that his beloved Madonna Catalina is not as dead as her family thinks, he rescues her and eventually returns her to her husband, Niccoluccio Caccianimico. By giving up that which he loves so greatly, even though he feels that he has a right to claim Catalina as his own, he demonstrates the day’s theme of generosity.

Gentile de’ Carisendi Character Timeline in The Decameron

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

A noble gentleman named Gentile de’ Carisendi lives in Bologna. Because his love for Madonna Catalina, Niccoluccio Caccianimico’s wife, is unrequited, he... (full context)

That night, Gentile de’ Carisendi rides to Bologna, enters Madonna Catalina’s tomb, and kisses her many times. But kissing isn’t... (full context)

When she recovers consciousness, Madonna Catalina is confused to find herself in a strange home. Gentile de’ Carisendi explains what has happened, and she begs him—out of his love for her—not to dishonor... (full context)

Gentile de’ Carisendi returns to Moderna to complete his appointment, which takes three months. In Bologna, he arranges... (full context)

Gentile de’ Carisendi sends for his greatest treasure, Madonna Catalina, who enters the hall beautifully dressed and carrying... (full context)

Gentile de’ Carisendi explains that Madonna Catalina is the loyal servant in his scenario. Because of Gentile’s love,... (full context)

...his son, while the guests marvel at her miraculous return and the generosity shown by Gentile de’ Carisendi . He remains friendly with her and her husband for the rest of his life.... (full context)

While Emilia agrees that Gentile de’ Carisendi ’s generosity was great, her story will show that it is possible for a man... (full context)

Emilia, like Lauretta, challenges her audience to decide who is the more generous lover: Gentile de’ Carisendi , for returning a lover he found nearly dead, or Ansaldo Gradense, for giving up... (full context)