The Decameron Flashcards
1
Q
Author of The Decameron
A
Boccaccio
2
Q
Year The Decameron was written
A
1350 CE
3
Q
Boccaccio Background
A
- Survivor of Florence plague
- Illegitimate son of wealthy merchant
- Well-educated
4
Q
Structure of The Decameron
A
- Frame story: Escape from plague in Florence
- 100 stories told by 10 aristocratic Florentines for 10 days
- Model for Canterbury Tales
5
Q
The Author’s Preface in The Decameron addresses…
A
- Human capacity for compassion (feels obliged to console others as a recipient of consolation)
- Women are fitting recipients of comfort
6
Q
The Author’s Introduction in The Decameron addresses…
A
- Addressed to compassionate ladies
- Begins with plague narrative (Thucydides structure)
- After the 10 escape, stories provide comfort from “reality”
- Emphasizes social class
