Griselda Character Analysis in The Decameron

In Dioneo’s tenth tale (X, 10), Griselda is the low-born, patient, and obedient daughter of Giannùcole and wife of Gualtieri. She is a caricature of wifely obedience—of the kind Margarita (IX, 7) and Joseph’s Wife (IX, 9) don’t have—and her patience despite the apparent murder of her children strains belief.

Griselda Character Timeline in The Decameron

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

...need. On the appointed day, Gualtieri takes his company to the village, where they find Griselda returning from the well. In the presence of her father, Giannùcole, Griselda promises to always... (full context)

Gualtieri leads Griselda outside, where he has her stripped naked in front of everyone. Dressing her in rich... (full context)

After the birth of their daughter, a “strange desire to test Griselda’s patience” seizes Gualtieri. At first, he subjects her to extensive verbal abuse, claiming that his... (full context)

Griselda becomes pregnant again and gives birth to a boy. Again, despite his pleasure, Gualtieri cannot... (full context)

Many years later, Gualtieri decides “to put Griselda’s patience to the final test.” Telling everyone that his marriage was a youthful error, he... (full context)

With superhuman effort, Griselda holds back her tears as she tells Gualtieri how aware she is that her wealth... (full context)

Griselda returns to Giannùcole, puts on peasant clothes, and “bravely endur[es] the cruel assault of hostile... (full context)

...years old) from Bologna as if the girl is his fiancée. When the girl arrives, Griselda graciously welcomes her, despite the pleas of Gualtieri’s subjects that Griselda be excused from this... (full context)

When he realizes that Griselda truly believes his ruse and still betrays no sign of resentment, Gualtieri tells her that... (full context)

Gualtieri embraces and kisses Griselda, who is weeping for joy, and then they embrace the children. Gualtieri unravels the mystery... (full context)

...royal men might make better swineherds than rulers. He also acknowledges that no one but Griselda could have endured these “cruel and unheard of trials” so cheerfully. And it would have... (full context)