Boccaccio's The Decameron

Definition

Boccaccio's The Decameron is a collection of 100 tales written in the 14th century, framed by a story of ten young people fleeing the Black Death in Florence. The work reflects the social and cultural upheaval of the Medieval period, exploring themes of love, morality, and human behavior against the backdrop of a society in crisis.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Decameron was written around 1353 and is considered one of the most important works in Italian literature, influencing later writers like Chaucer.
2. The ten characters in The Decameron each tell one story per day over ten days, showcasing a wide variety of narratives that include comedy, tragedy, and moral lessons.
3. The work highlights the shifting social norms of the time, often challenging traditional views on love, sexuality, and societal roles.
4. Boccaccio's vivid descriptions and relatable characters in The Decameron make it an insightful commentary on human nature during times of crisis.
5. The Decameron's themes of survival and resilience resonate with readers today, reflecting how individuals cope with adversity and change.

Review Questions

• How does Boccaccio's The Decameron use storytelling to address the social issues of its time?
  • Boccaccio's The Decameron employs storytelling as a means to reflect on and critique the social issues arising from the Black Death. Through the tales shared by the ten characters, Boccaccio explores complex themes like love, morality, and human folly in a society faced with turmoil. The varied narratives provide insight into human behavior during a crisis, showcasing both the strengths and weaknesses of individuals as they navigate their lives amidst widespread suffering.
• In what ways does The Decameron reflect the impact of the Black Death on Medieval society?
  • The Decameron serves as a direct response to the chaos wrought by the Black Death, illustrating how fear and uncertainty transformed societal values. As characters seek refuge from the plague, their interactions reveal shifting attitudes towards love and morality, highlighting how people adapted to survive. Boccaccio's work captures the tension between established norms and new perspectives emerging in a time marked by loss, resilience, and rebirth.
• Evaluate Boccaccio's contribution to literature through The Decameron in relation to emerging Renaissance ideals.
  • Boccaccio's The Decameron is pivotal in literature as it marks a shift toward Renaissance ideals by emphasizing human experience and emotion over strict religious narratives. His portrayal of diverse characters and their stories reflects an emerging interest in individualism and realism. This emphasis on humanism set the stage for future writers to explore more personal themes and secular subjects, ultimately transforming the landscape of literature during the Renaissance period.

Related terms

Humanism:

A Renaissance movement that emphasized the value of human potential and achievements, focusing on classical texts and the study of humanity rather than solely religious themes.

Black Death:

The devastating pandemic that struck Europe in the mid-14th century, leading to significant population loss and profound social changes.

Frame Narrative:

A storytelling technique where a main narrative sets the stage for a series of smaller stories, providing context and depth to the tales told within it.