Currado Malespina Character Analysis in The Decameron

Currado Malespina is a gentleman who appears in Emilia’s second story (II, 6). Along with his wife, he rescues the castaway Beritola and her deer friends. When Guisfredi (Giannotto) becomes one of his servants and falls in love with his daughter Spina, Currado is horrified to catch them making love and throws them both into prison on account of the young man’s alleged social inferiority. However, when he discovers Guisfredi’s true identity, he happily allows him to marry Spina. His compassion towards Beritola, concern with his family’s honor, and willingness to be guided by reason rather than revenge make him a portrait of a good nobleman.

Currado Malespina Character Timeline in The Decameron

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

After several months, a ship carrying Currado Malespina and his wife is also driven to shelter at the island. When Currado’s dogs... (full context)

...after several years he runs away and becomes a sailor. Eventually, he finds employment with Currado. (full context)

While Guisfredi (Giannotto) serves Currado, he falls in love with Currado’s daughter Spina. The intensity of their love overpowers caution,... (full context)

...identity, now that his father’s enemy has been ousted. A guard carries this information to Currado, who confirms the story with Beritola—without revealing the source of his information. Currado then realizes... (full context)

Currado visits Guisfredi (Giannotto) to complain about his dishonorable actions with Spina. But since he has... (full context)

Currado sets the stage for reunion. He asks Cavriuola (Beritola) if she’d like Guisfredi back and... (full context)

Guisfredi asks Currado to retrieve The Outcast from Guasparrino. While he is initially reluctant to believe that his... (full context)