How we cite our quotes: (Day.Story.Page)
Quote #10
On learning of her husband's intentions [to divorce her], from which it appeared she would have to return to her father's house, in order perhaps to look after the sheep as she had in the past, meanwhile seeing the man she adored being cherished by some other woman, Griselda was secretly filled with despair. But she prepared herself to endure this final blow as stoically as she had borne Fortune's earlier assaults. (X.10.790, Dioneo's tale of Griselda)
This is the first time that Dioneo speaks of Griselda experiencing actual despair at the ruthless actions of her husband. Even when her children are purportedly taken away to be slaughtered, Griselda doesn't show her despair. But at the loss of a sadistic husband and the thought of returning to a job she hated, we see suffering. Could this be the result of a male voice telling a woman's story? Or is this simply a more complex insight into female suffering? Is stoicism in the face of suffering a virtue?
Quote #11
'But with all my heart I beg you not to inflict those same wounds upon her that you imposed upon her predecessor, for I doubt whether she could withstand them, not only because she is younger, but also because she has had a refined upbringing, whereas the other had to face continual hardship from infancy.' (X.10.793, Dioneo's tale of Griselda. Griselda warns Gualtieri not to push his new bride as hard as he did her).
Here's an interesting idea: only the elite can truly suffer, because they're not used to it. The suffering of the common person can't possibly be as great since they've grown up expecting it. Griselda, with all she's been through, graciously devalues her own suffering for this reason.