Passage from Federigo’s Falcon by Giovanni Boccaccio:

Question

"When Monna Giovanna saw that the falcon had been served to her, she was filled with a deep sorrow, realizing that Federigo’s love had led him to such an extreme, sacrificing his most precious possession. She understood that this act, though noble, was born of desperation."

How does the phrase “born of desperation” impact the tone of the passage, and what does it suggest about Federigo’s actions?

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0 points
The phrase suggests that Federigo’s actions were calculated and intentional, aimed at impressing Monna Giovanna with his wealth.
The phrase implies that Federigo acted recklessly, without thinking about the consequences of losing his most valuable possession.
The phrase indicates that Federigo was trying to manipulate Monna Giovanna into loving him by creating a situation that would invoke sympathy.
The phrase conveys a sense of hopelessness and selflessness in Federigo’s actions, indicating that his love for Monna Giovanna led him to make a sacrifice out of a sense of urgency or need.

Answer 1

The phrase “born of desperation” impacts the tone of the passage by conveying a sense of sorrow and urgency surrounding Federigo's actions. It suggests that his decision to sacrifice the falcon was not a frivolous one, but rather a profound act driven by a deep and somewhat hopeless yearning for Monna Giovanna’s affection. This reflects both the nobility and the tragic nature of his love, emphasizing that his extreme act was not simply about impressing her but stemmed from a place of emotional distress and longing. Therefore, the most fitting interpretation is:

The phrase conveys a sense of hopelessness and selflessness in Federigo’s actions, indicating that his love for Monna Giovanna led him to make a sacrifice out of a sense of urgency or need.