Bernabò Lomellin Character Analysis in The Decameron

Bernabò Lomellin appears in ’s second tale (II, 9). He is a Genoese merchant who brags that his wife () is the best and most chaste wife in the world and places a wager on it with another merchant called . When Ambrogiuolo offers “proof” that he’s seduced Zinerva, Bernabò believes him more easily than he believes his supposedly excellent wife. He has a proud character and is quick to anger, trying to have Zinerva murdered when he thinks she’s cheated. Nevertheless, his , which falls after his repudiation of his wife, eventually rises again when she reveals Ambrogiuolo’s trick and reunites with her husband.

Bernabò Lomellin Character Timeline in The Decameron

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

...that their wives don’t let the “grass … grow under their feet” either. Only one, Bernabò Lomellin, disagrees. He believes that his wife (whose name is Zinerva) is without equal: she... (full context)

A young merchant named Ambrogiuolo, laughs at Bernabò and asks who gave him such an unnaturally good wife. He is sure that Bernabò... (full context)

Bernabò, a merchant rather than a philosopher, accepts that foolish women are weak but maintains that... (full context)

In Genoa, Ambrogiuolo learns (to his dismay) that Zinerva is as upright as Bernabò claimed. Winning the bet will require trickery, so he befriends Zinerva’s friend and bribes her... (full context)

...chest, Ambrogiuolo hurries to Paris where he describes Zinerva’s bedroom and displays his prizes to Bernabò, who demands more proof, since anyone could get a description of the room or some... (full context)

...Disguised as a man, she runs away while the servant brings her torn clothing to Bernabò as proof of her death, claiming that wolves devoured her body. Zinerva begins to call... (full context)

...his stolen belongings. Ambrogiuolo, not recognizing Zinerva, explains that he acquired them after sleeping with Bernabò’s wife and proving that all women are untrustworthy and fickle. Zinerva understands what has happened... (full context)

...him to go to Alexandria with the promise of a sizeable investment. She also entices Bernabò, who has fallen into poverty, to Alexandria. With both men in place, she asks Ambrogiuolo... (full context)

Still in her disguise, Zinerva turns on Bernabò and demands to know what he did after hearing falsehoods about his wife. Bernabò confesses... (full context)

...and strength of character, and he immediately gives her gifts of fine clothes and servants. Bernabò begs for forgiveness, which she graciously offers. Then the Sultan has Ambrogiuolo fixed to a... (full context)

...and Bartolomea marry and labor daily, regardless of holidays. Based on this example, Dioneo concludes, Bernabò’s faith in his wife may have been rewarded, but he was taking a great risk... (full context)

Everyone laughs until their sides ache. They agree with Dioneo that Bernabò was foolish to trust his wife. Once the laughter dies down, Filomena crowns Neifile as... (full context)