Decameron

Definition

The Decameron is a collection of 100 tales written by Giovanni Boccaccio in the 14th century, set against the backdrop of the Black Death in Florence. This work is significant in the history of literature as it marks one of the earliest forms of prose fiction, showcasing a mix of comedic and tragic narratives that reflect human nature, social customs, and moral lessons.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Decameron was written during the early Renaissance and reflects the shift from medieval to modern storytelling styles.
2. Boccaccio composed the Decameron as a response to the despair caused by the plague, using storytelling as a means of escape and reflection.
3. The stories cover various themes such as love, deception, and virtue, often highlighting the complexity of human relationships.
4. The work has been influential in shaping the development of prose fiction in Western literature and paved the way for later authors like Chaucer and Shakespeare.
5. Boccaccio’s characters range from nobles to commoners, showcasing a wide spectrum of societal classes and their intertwined lives.

Review Questions

• How does the frame narrative structure of the Decameron contribute to its themes and storytelling approach?
  • The frame narrative structure of the Decameron allows Boccaccio to connect multiple stories through a shared setting and context. This structure not only enriches the storytelling by providing a diverse array of tales but also emphasizes common themes such as love, morality, and human folly. The characters tell their stories to distract themselves from the horrors of the Black Death, creating a communal experience that highlights both individual experiences and collective struggles during a tumultuous time.
• In what ways does the Decameron reflect humanist ideas, and how does this influence its portrayal of characters and society?
  • The Decameron embodies humanist ideals by focusing on individual experiences and emotions rather than solely on religious or allegorical themes prevalent in earlier literature. Boccaccio presents complex characters who navigate love, social norms, and moral dilemmas, illustrating a nuanced view of humanity. This emphasis on human experience and rationality reflects the broader Renaissance movement towards valuing human agency and understanding over strict religious dogma.
• Evaluate the impact of Boccaccio's Decameron on later literary works and its significance in shaping prose fiction as a genre.
  • The Decameron's impact on later literary works is profound, as it established important narrative techniques such as realism, character development, and thematic complexity that would influence writers for centuries. Its blend of humor and tragedy paved the way for later authors like Chaucer, who adopted similar storytelling methods in The Canterbury Tales. Furthermore, Boccaccio's focus on everyday life and social issues helped lay the groundwork for modern prose fiction, making it a cornerstone of Western literary tradition.

Related terms

Frame Narrative:

A literary technique that provides a structure for a story, where an overarching narrative contains smaller stories within it, as seen in the Decameron.

Humanism:

An intellectual movement during the Renaissance that emphasized the value of human beings and their experiences, significantly influencing the themes found in Boccaccio's work.

Allegory: A narrative that conveys deeper moral, social, or political meanings beyond the literal level, often used in medieval literature to teach lessons, similar to some stories within the Decameron.