Generosity In The Decameron

Generosity is the virtue of not being tied down by concerns of one’s possessions and giving away those possessions without expecting anything in return. The stories, “Day 10, Story 3” and “Day 10, Story 4” from The Decameron by Giovanni Boccaccio are splendid examples of generosity that express the values and different aspects of generosity. Both Nathan from “Day 10, Story 3” and Gentile from “Day 10, Story 4” are generous, however Nathan’s the actions that Nathan takes make Nathan more generous. Nathan’s and Gentile’s generosity is illustrated through the intentions associated with their actions, the manner by which they express their generosity, and the results that they obtain because of their generosity.

Generosity can be fueled by people’s …show more content…
Both Nathan and Gentile are willing to give away their possessions for their beliefs and values. Nathan is willing to give away his life for Mithridanes and when Mithridanes refuses to take his life, Nathan is willing to give up his fame and all his possessions including his name for Mithridanes. Likewise, Gentile gives away his love, Catalina, and returns her to Niccolouccio. Moreover, Nathan does not wish for other people to know about his talk with Mithridanes and Nathan “accepts [his death] and [is] prepared not only to supply [Mithridanes] with the means, but also with advice for carrying out his plan” (Story 3, P-25). Nathan treasures other people’s lives and wishes and does not want Mithridanes to get in trouble due to his incompetence. Moreover, Gentile holds “baptism [for Catalina’s son] and name[s] [him] Gentile” (Story 4, P-33). This act of Gentile illustrates that Gentile is unable to completely give up on his love for Catalina and to ensure that Catalina and Niccoluccio always remember his act of generosity, he names their son Gentile. Whereas, Nathan spends time with Mithridanes, understanding him, this allows Nathan to voluntarily give up his life for Mithridanes without any regret. Although the fact that Nathan hiding his identity from Mithridanes is deceptive , but since his lie allows him to understand and befriend Mithridanes, the nature of …show more content…
Both Nathan and Gentile save a life due to their actions. Nathan is able to save his own life, along with causing Mithridanes to realize the error in his ways. Nathan “ receive[s] [Mithridanes] with kindness, [keeps] him company like a friend, and [even] advise[s] him so faithfully” (Story 3, P-22),and as a result of these actions Mithridanes recognizes and admits that he does not wish to “deprive [Nathan] of so precious a thing as [his] life” (Story 3, P-29). Though Gentile is unable to illustrate such services in the beginning and the reason for his visit to Catalina’s tomb is love, Gentile is able to save Catalina’s life due to his decision. Gentile “bring[s] [Catalina] back to life” (Story 4, P-11) and restores her to her healthy state again. However, Gentile’s gift, Catalina, to Niccoluccio allows Niccoluccio to realize his shortcomings and the value of his wife and his son as he “embraces [them and] his present happiness [is] far greater than” ever. Although Gentile’s actions do teach Niccoluccio about his mistake, but Gentile himself does not change his ways. Whereas, Nathan not only demonstrates to Mithridanes the virtuous ways of generosity, but Nathan himself is able to understand the value of his life. Henceforth, Nathan is able to acquire and grant more than Gentile in terms of