Torello Character Analysis in The Decameron

Torello appears in ’s tenth tale (X, 9), as the Italian nobleman who, along with his wife , generously entertains when the Muslim leader is traveling through Europe in disguise. His instinctive recognition of Saladin’s noble character cements their friendship, and when he is later captured by the Saracens (the Muslim forces in the Third Crusade), he is reunited with his friend and becomes the recipient of Saladin’s legendary royal generosity.

Torello Character Timeline in The Decameron

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

...own story, which shows another eminently worthy and generous friendship—the friendship of Saladin and Messer Torello of Strà. Before the Third Crusade begins, Saladin disguises himself as a merchant and takes... (full context)

Torello rushes to his estate, sets tables for a feast in the garden, and is ready... (full context)

Saladin and his men find Torello to be the “most agreeable, civilized, and affable gentleman” they’ve ever met. And although they... (full context)

The next day, Torello invites Saladin to hunt, after which Saladin asks for directions to the comfortable inn in... (full context)

After breakfast, Torello introduces Saladin to his greatest treasures: Adalieta and their two angelically beautiful children. Adalieta gives... (full context)

As the Crusade begins, Torello, moved but undeterred by Adalieta’s tears and entreaties, prepares to leave. His only request is... (full context)

Torello travels to Acre, where the Crusader army falls prey to a plague. Because so many... (full context)

One day, Saladin notices the way Torello smiles and recognizes his old host. Taking him to the royal wardrobe, he asks Torello... (full context)

Meanwhile, Adalieta believes that Torello has died, because on the day he was captured, another knight named Torello was buried,... (full context)

In one night, Saladin’s magician can send Torello, sleeping peacefully in a bed, back to Pavia. Although he understands Torello’s desire to return... (full context)

Torello and his bed are deposited magically in the church of San Pietro just before matins.... (full context)

After securing the treasure, Torello asks the Abbot of San Pietro to take him to the wedding feast as a... (full context)

...up so quickly she overturns the table, runs across the room pell-mell, flings herself on Torello and clings to him for dear life. Torello, promising to give her as many embraces... (full context)

Dioneo, noting that Adalieta’s almost-second husband wouldn’t agree with the company’s praise of Torello, prepares to finish the day’s storytelling with a marquis whose actions were remarkably cruel, not... (full context)