Paganino de Mare Character Analysis in The Decameron

Paganino de Mare appears in Dioneo’s second tale (II, 10). A famous pirate, he kidnaps Bartolomea from Ricciardo di Chinzica, and, because he’s a much younger and more virile man, has the ability to satisfy her sexually. He treats her as a wife instead of a mistress and marries her when her first husband dies.

Paganino de Mare Character Timeline in The Decameron

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

...takes Bartolomea and some of her lady-friends on a fishing expedition. They are surprised by Paganino de Mare, a famous pirate, who captures Bartolomea’s boat while Ricciardo makes it safely back... (full context)

Paganino, unable to comfort Bartolomea with words, eventually turns to comforting her with deeds—since he’s not... (full context)

Paganino and Ricciardo agree that if Paganino’s lover recognizes Ricciardo, Paganino will hand her over. Ricciardo,... (full context)

Thinking Bartolomea may be afraid of Paganino, Ricciardo asks to speak to her alone. Bartolomea finally admits that she knows Ricciardo but... (full context)

Ricciardo can’t understand why Bartolomea would rather live as Paganino’s whore than as his wife, casting away her honor and living in mortal sin because... (full context)

...mad, and wanders the streets saying, “there’s no rest for the bar.” After his death, Paganino and Bartolomea marry and labor daily, regardless of holidays. Based on this example, Dioneo concludes,... (full context)