The Black Falcon, A Tale from the Decameron
What’s inside...
Based on a story from The Decameron. When the wealthy and now-widowed woman whom the impoverished Federigo has always loved invites herself to his home for dinner to make a life-or-death request of him, she learns, ironically, he has already sacrificed all he had in his love for her.
Age
7-9
Length
1 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Federigo Degli Alberighi
Monna Giovanna
Discussion points
What do you think motivated the characters in 'The Black Falcon' to make the decisions they did?
How would you feel if you were in a similar situation as any of the characters?
What lessons can we learn about friendship and forgiveness from this story?
Can you think of a time when you had to make a tough decision? How does it compare to the choices characters in the book made?
What do you think the black falcon symbolizes in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story by asking open-ended questions. Relate the themes of the story to real-life situations your child might encounter to deepen their understanding and empathy. Discuss the historical and cultural setting of the tale to expand their knowledge and perspective. Lastly, foster a nurturing environment where all interpretations and emotions are welcomed and validated, promoting a meaningful discussion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of clever thinking
Explanation: The protagonist, Martuccio Gomito, ingeniously uses his astuteness to gain favor from the king, demonstrating how quick wit can transform adverse situations.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to think on their feet and use their intellect to navigate challenges and solve problems in everyday situations, such as in school projects or during social interactions.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Despite experiencing shipwreck and captivity, Martuccio remains determined and hopeful, which ultimately leads to his favourable outcome.
Real-World Application: This lesson imparts the value of staying resilient during difficult times, teaching children that perseverance can lead to positive outcomes, even when faced with obstacles like failures or setbacks in school or sports.
Example Lesson: The power of friendship and loyalty
Explanation: Martuccio's loyal friend keeps hope alive and supports his family, highlighting the vital role that friends play during hard times.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value and nurture friendships, understanding that having loyal and supportive friends is important during both good and challenging times.
Example Lesson: The impact of positive change
Explanation: Upon his return, Martuccio's positive changes and leadership abilities enhance his community, showing the beneficial impact of personal growth on society.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to strive for personal improvement and to understand that their positive actions can have a significant effect on their community, encouraging them to participate in community service or group activities.