Boccaccio

Definition

Giovanni Boccaccio was an Italian writer and poet of the 14th century, best known for his seminal work 'The Decameron,' a collection of 100 tales that reflect the social and cultural dynamics of his time. His writing played a crucial role in shaping Renaissance literature, highlighting human experience, love, and morality while also employing a new narrative style that diverged from the medieval tradition.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Boccaccio's 'The Decameron' was written around 1353 and is considered one of the masterpieces of early Renaissance literature, blending realism with fantasy.
2. He is often regarded as a precursor to modern narrative forms, as his use of character-driven stories paved the way for later developments in literature.
3. Boccaccio's work reflects a shift from the religiously focused medieval literature to more secular themes, exploring love, deception, and social commentary.
4. In addition to 'The Decameron,' Boccaccio wrote several other important works, including 'On Famous Women,' which is a collection of biographies of notable women from history and mythology.
5. Boccaccio was a key figure in the development of the Italian language as a literary medium, using vernacular Italian instead of Latin to make literature accessible to a broader audience.

Review Questions

• How did Boccaccio's writing style in 'The Decameron' differ from traditional medieval literature?
  • Boccaccio's writing style in 'The Decameron' was marked by a shift towards realism and a focus on human experiences rather than solely religious themes. Unlike traditional medieval literature that often emphasized moral lessons and divine intervention, Boccaccio embraced character-driven narratives filled with wit and humor. This departure allowed readers to connect more deeply with the characters' personal struggles and emotions, reflecting the changing values of Renaissance society.
• Discuss the significance of 'The Decameron' in relation to the themes of humanism during the Renaissance.
  • 'The Decameron' holds significant importance as it embodies key themes of humanism that emerged during the Renaissance. By emphasizing individual experiences, personal relationships, and human emotions, Boccaccio contributed to a broader cultural movement that celebrated humanity's potential. The stories within 'The Decameron' often explore love and morality from a secular perspective, challenging established norms and showcasing human agency, which were central tenets of humanism.
• Evaluate how Boccaccio's influence on narrative structure can be seen in later literary works such as Chaucer's 'The Canterbury Tales.'
  • 'Boccaccio's influence on narrative structure is evident in Chaucer's 'The Canterbury Tales' through the use of a frame story and diverse characters sharing their tales. This approach not only mirrors Boccaccio's technique in 'The Decameron,' where multiple narrators contribute to a collective narrative experience but also highlights varying perspectives on similar themes. Chaucer adopted Boccaccio's emphasis on character development and social commentary, further enriching English literature and reflecting the complexities of human nature during the Renaissance period.'

Related terms

The Decameron: A collection of novellas by Boccaccio, set against the backdrop of the Black Death, where ten young people tell stories to entertain themselves during their retreat from the plague.

Humanism:

An intellectual movement during the Renaissance that emphasized the value of human beings, focusing on classical texts, individualism, and secular subjects.

Chaucer: Geoffrey Chaucer was an English poet and author of 'The Canterbury Tales,' which was influenced by Boccaccio's storytelling style and thematic elements.