Federigo's Falcon

Question

Giovanni Boccaccio, translated by Mark Musa and Peter Bondanella

And after he had said this, he laid the feathers, the feet, and the beak of the bird before her as proof. When the lady heard and saw this, she first reproached him for having killed such a falcon to serve as a meal to a woman; but then to herself she commended the greatness of his spirit, which no poverty was able or would be able to diminish; then, having lost all hope of getting the falcon and, perhaps because of this, of improving the health of her son as well, she thanked Federigo both for the honor paid to her and for his good will, and she left in grief, and returned to her son. To his mother’s extreme sorrow, either because of his disappointment that he could not have the falcon, or because his illness must have necessarily led to it, the boy passed from this life only a few days later.

After the period of her mourning and bitterness had passed, the lady was repeatedly urged by her brothers to remarry, since she was very rich and was still young; and although she did not wish to do so, they became so insistent that she remembered the merits of Federigo and his last act of generosity—that is, to have killed such a falcon to do her honor—and she said to her brothers:

“I would prefer to remain a widow, if that would please you; but if you wish me to take a husband, you may rest assured that I shall take no man but Federigo degli Alberighi.”

In answer to this, making fun of her, her brothers replied:

“You foolish woman, what are you saying? How can you want him; he hasn’t a penny to his name?”

To this she replied: “My brothers, I am well aware of what you say, but I would rather have a man who needs money than money that needs a man.”

Her brothers, seeing that she was determined and knowing Federigo to be of noble birth, no matter how poor he was, accepted her wishes and gave her in marriage to him with all her riches. When he found himself the husband of such a great lady, whom he had loved so much and who was so wealthy besides, he managed his financial affairs with more prudence than in the past and lived with her happily the rest of his days.

What is Monna's motivation for the decision that she makes?

She decides to marry Federigo because he saved her son's life.

She decides to marry Federigo because he is good at managing money.

She decides to marry Federigo because of his honorable spirit.

She decides to never marry anyone again because she only hurts the men she loves.

Answer 1

Monna's motivation for the decision she makes is best captured by the option: She decides to marry Federigo because of his honorable spirit.

Throughout the story, Monna reflects on Federigo's noble actions, particularly his sacrifice of the falcon, which demonstrates his generosity and character. Despite her brothers’ concerns about his financial status, Monna values his spirit and the love she has for him above material wealth. This highlights her appreciation for his virtues rather than financial gain or practicality in choosing a husband.