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Lisabetta and Lorenzo's tomb (on Decameron IV,5)

Abstract:
This paper suggests a new interpretation of the tale of Lisabetta da Messina (Decameron IV,5) in the light of a fact that has thus far been disregarded by scholars: namely, that in both medieval culture, and its basis in Roman law, an individual cannot have more than one grave. In case of dismemberment, the burial place corresponds to where the head is interred. Therefore, the pot of basil in Boccaccio's tale is Lorenzo's tomb, and Lisabetta beheads her dead lover in order to be able to perform suitable funeral rites. Taking this into account, her behaviour as well as other aspects of the tale take on new meanings.
Publication status:
Published
Peer review status:
Peer reviewed

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Publication website:
https://www.jstor.org/stable/44983602

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Institution:
University of Oxford
Division:
HUMS
Sub department:
Medieval & Modern Languages Faculty
Role:
Author


Publisher:
American Association of Teachers of Italian
Journal:
Italica More from this journal
Volume:
94
Issue:
3
Pages:
431-447
Publication date:
2017-09-01
Acceptance date:
2017-09-01
EISSN:
2325-6672
ISSN:
0021-3020


Language:
English
Keywords:
Pubs id:
1088192
Local pid:
pubs:1088192
Deposit date:
2020-02-19

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