The Decameron

The Decameron

by

Giovanni Boccaccio

In Elissa’s ninth tale (IX, 2), Sister Isabetta is a young nun who frequently consorts with her lover in her cell at the convent. When she’s caught in the act by jealous and suspicious sisters, she calls out the hypocrisy of Abbess Usimbalda, demonstrating how fortune can save people from tricky spots and highlighting the hypocrisy of the clergy.
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The Decameron PDF

Sister Isabetta Character Timeline in The Decameron

The timeline below shows where the character Sister Isabetta appears in The Decameron. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Day 9: Second Tale
Love and Sex Theme Icon
Faith vs. Religion Theme Icon
...fortune, which sometimes brings comeuppance to those who blame others for sins that they share. Sister Isabetta , a young Lombard nun, has fallen in love with a young man. He has... (full context)
Love and Sex Theme Icon
Faith vs. Religion Theme Icon
The nuns keep a careful watch, and the next time Sister Isabetta is with her lover, they run to Abbess Usimbalda’s room. But she is with her... (full context)
Love and Sex Theme Icon
Men and Women Theme Icon
Faith vs. Religion Theme Icon
Sister Isabetta silently endures Abbess Usimbalda’s abuse for a while, until she notices her odd headwear. Then... (full context)