Martuccio Gomito Character Analysis in The Decameron

In Emilia’s fifth tale (V, 2), Martuccio Gomito is a handsome and well-mannered young man who is nevertheless too poor to be accepted as a potential husband for Gostanza. He turns to piracy to make money, but when he’s captured by the Tunisians, he languishes in jail until he provides them with a war-winning stratagem. He symbolizes constancy in love despite the ups and downs of fortune and becomes one of the day’s happy lovers when he and Gostanza, newly enriched by Mulay Abd Allah, finally marry.

Martuccio Gomito Character Timeline in The Decameron

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

...punished as it was in yesterday’s tales. In Lipari, a noble girl named Gostanza loves Martuccio Gomito , but her father refuses to allow their marriage because Martuccio—although “handsome and well-mannered”—is poor.... (full context)

Gostanza is heartbroken at the news of Martuccio Gomito ’s death. She wants to die, too, but lacks the courage to take her own... (full context)

Meanwhile, Mulay Abd Allah, the King of Tunis, is at war against Granada. Martuccio Gomito , also having learned the Tunisians’ language, hears about the war and offers military advice.... (full context)

Time had been cooling the flames of Gostanza’s love, but when she hears that Martuccio Gomito is alive and a rich man in Tunis, her passion is rekindled. She begs the... (full context)