Warning! This article contains SPOILERS for The Decameron.
Summary
The Netflix adaptation ofThe Decameronfeatures multiple interesting relationships, but none more complex than the one between noblewoman Pampinea and her handmaid Misia. Though Pampinea and Misia are characters in the original 14th-century short-story collection by Giovanni Boccaccio, they are changed for the series. They are two of the most prominentcharacters inThe Decameronand their relationship, particularly Misia’s devotion to Pampinea, is explored thoroughly. Beyond being a raunchy medieval comedy,The Decameronprovides commentary on class division.
The Decameronfocuses on the Black Deathand its impact on the social order, as the disease didn’t discriminate based on class. Multiple characters inThe Decamerondie of pestilence, which is what drove Pampinea, Misia, and others to Villa Santa in the first place. They come to escape the plague in the Italian countryside, but they continue to face the disease and other struggles while there.UntilThe Decameron’s ending, Misia was always by her lady’s side, unable to go against her orders despite poor Pampinea’s treatment of her.
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Misia Is Blinded By Love For Pampinea In The Decameron
Misia Believes Pampinea Truly Cares For Her
Thoughmost of the characters inThe Decameroncouldn’t be considered good people, as they all had flaws, Pampinea is one of the show’s worst. She was spoiled, condescending, and rarely took responsibility for her actions, many of them deplorable. Yet, no matter what Pampinea does, Misia finds a way to justify it or forgive her for her wrongdoings. This is frustrating to watch, as it’s clear that Misia deserves so much better than Pampinea, but she couldn’t betray her.
Whenever Pampinea wanted to manipulate Misia, she emphasized how much Misia meant to her.
Whether Misia was in love with Pampinea or loves her as a friend is unclear inThe Decameron. Misia had worked for Pampinea for a long time, and with her lover’s death at the end ofThe Decameronepisode 1, it seemed like Pampinea was all she had left. Misia values what she sees as a two-sided friendship, and Pampinea knows this. Whenever Pampinea wants to manipulate Misia, she emphasizes how much Misia means to her. Misia lives to serve and please, and Pampinea’s love and approval were everything to her.
Why Misia Betrays Pampinea At The End Of The Decameron Season 1
Misia Frees Herself When She Sets Pampinea On Fire
Misia had multiple chances to betray Pampinea inThe Decameron. In some scenes, it seemed like Misia was finally done with her, as she’d already acknowledged that her lady didn’t treat her kindly. Yet, every time, Pampinea would draw her back to her side. When Misia secretly gave Pampinea her dowry and defended her, it seemed like Misia was a lost cause. However, Misia burns Pampinea alive in a barrel inThe Decameronseason 1 finale in a major plot twist.
Every Character Who Dies In The Decameron (& How)
The Decameron killed off multiple characters, with some dying from the bubonic plague during the Black Death, while many others were murdered.
Misia cries when setting the fire, asking herself what she’d do without Pampinea, which further suggests that loneliness and fear of instability were also behind her intense devotion. When Misia walks away from the fire, she slowly starts to smile. Perhaps poetically, Misia’s lover, Parmena, also died in a barrel. While one death was tragic, the other was freeing. When Misia betrays Pampinea inThe Decameron, she doesn’t know if she’ll survive the raid on the villa, which allows her to do it without fear of potential consequences.
The Decameron
Cast
In 1348 Italy, a group of nobles and their servants seek refuge in a grand villa from the bubonic plague. As they attempt to wait out the pandemic, their interactions reveal class tensions and personal secrets. The show blends dark comedy with historical drama, examining survival and societal divides in a crisis.
