The Decameron by Giovanni Boccaccio is a classic work of literature that follows the tales of ten young people who flee the bubonic plague and its effects on Florence in 1348. Written in the late 14th century, Decameron has become one of the most famous and influential works in world literature, exploring themes of love, death, destiny, power, and morality.
The stories of Decameron, told in 100 chapters, follow the journey of ten Florentines who leave Florence to escape the plague and seek solace in an isolated villa in the Italian countryside. The travelers include the three young women, Fiammetta, Pampinea, and Filomena, and their seven male companions, Filippo, Neifile, Filostrato, Dioneo, Panfilo, Emilia, and Laverna. The ten friends share their stories, tales of love and adventure, to pass the time.
Each day of the Decameron, a different merchant is chosen to initiate the tales. They begin with matters of wit and comedy, progressing to stories of the moral and spiritual nature. Popular tales featured in Decameron include Fiammetta's romance with a satyr, Dioneo's ribald story about a nun, and Panfilo's deathly sermon on the importance of moderation and the appreciation of life's pleasures.
Themes in Decameron range from religious, political, to social. Two primary themes are the importance of living life to its fullest and the consequences of ignoring divine and natural order. Everyone in Decameron lives life to the fullest, immersing themselves in the beauty and pleasure of life. However, along with pleasure, there is a price to pay: those who ignore divine and natural orders, such as Fassin Baptistin, suffer harsh consequences.
The Decameron is often seen as a reflection of Boccaccio’s own life, as many of the stories are based on contemporary Italian life during the time of its writing. Boccaccio’s experiences, observations, and fantasies are portrayed in the tales. The Decameron was also an influence on writers throughout the Renaissance and Baroque periods, inspiring writers such as Chaucer and Shakespeare.
The Decameron’s simple yet profound message of making the most of life and reflecting on the consequences of our actions has made it a timeless work that continues to captivate readers to this day. It is a must-read for anyone interested in delving into a classic piece of literature and discovering the themes, stories, and characters that have stood the test of time.
