logo

33 pages 1 hour read

Gene A. Brucker

Giovanni and Lusanna: Love and Marriage in Renaissance Florence

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1986

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Themes

Gender Roles in Renaissance Florence

Brucker uses Giovanni and Lusanna’s relationship to explore the rigidity of gender roles in fifteenth-century Florence. During that time, men had much more freedom than women. As a wealthy man, Giovanni lives independently and establishes a career as a banker. He also frequently travels internationally for business. In contrast, Lusanna’s life is confined to the neighborhood where she grew up. She has no career and must depend on men to provide for her. This dependence is two-sided, though. If a Florentine woman “misbehaves” by stepping out of the rigid mold set for her, her male kin are blamed. Brucker notes “the ideal of feminine chastity […] was guarded as jealousy by male relatives as was their property” (77-78).

The social disparity between men and women in Florence is especially evident in the city’s perceptions of adulterers. Throughout the trial, Giovanni openly admits that he pursued and consummated an adulterous affair with Lusanna. At that time, it was normal for bachelors like Giovanni to remain unmarried until they became established in their careers in their mid-30s. Though the Catholic Church forbids sex outside of marriage, aristocratic bachelors frequently sought sex from lower-class women, and their adulterous affairs were quietly overlooked. Giovanni maintains his honorable reputation throughout the trial, but Lusanna is condemned by her community.

blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
Unlock IconUnlock all 33 pages of this Study Guide
Plus, gain access to 8,600+ more expert-written Study Guides.
Including features:
+ Mobile App
+ Printable PDF
+ Literary AI Tools