King Philip II Character Analysis in The Decameron

King Philip II appears in Fiammetta’s first tale (I, 5), as a fictionalized version of a medieval French king who reigned 1169–1223. He falls in love with the Marchioness of Montferrat based on her reputation, and he surprises her at home to try and take her as his lover. His desire, as a form of amor du lonh (love from afar), participates in the fin’amors tradition, and he demonstrates true nobility of character when he takes the Marchioness’s hints and leaves without trying to convince her or take her by force.

King Philip II Quotes in The Decameron

The The Decameron quotes below are all either spoken by King Philip II or refer to King Philip II. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:

Being an intelligent and judicious woman, she sent back a message to say that she was glad to have been singled out for this uniquely great favor, and that the king would be very welcome. She then began to wonder why such a great king should be calling upon her in her husband’s absence. Nor was she wrong in the conclusion that she reached, namely, that he was being drawn thither by the fame of her beauty. Nevertheless, with her habitual nobility of spirit she made ready to entertain him[.]

Related Characters: Fiammetta (speaker), Marchioness of Montferrat, King Philip II

Page Number and Citation: 49-50

Explanation and Analysis:

King Philip II Character Timeline in The Decameron

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

...is outstandingly beautiful, virtuous, and wise. While her husband is away on the Third Crusade, King Philip II of France falls in love with her because of her reputation. Planning to detour... (full context)

...cooks to prepare a royal banquet with each dish featuring chicken. Upon meeting the Marchioness, King Philip becomes even more lovestruck, but his pleasure turns to puzzlement when he realizes that every... (full context)

...aren’t any roosters and that the women of her country are exactly like women elsewhere. King Philip understands her rebuke and, knowing that neither sweet words nor force will overpower her virtue,... (full context)