The Decameron (Day 6 to Day 10) (ePub)

Giovanni Boccaccio (1313-1375) was an illustrious Italian writer, poet, correspondent of Petrarch, and an important Renaissance humanist. Boccaccio was born in Certaldo or in Florence, the precise location remains unclear, to a Florentine merchant and his mistress. His early life was replete with the dynamism of merchant enterprise and the cultivation of an intellect that would mark him as one of the keystones of early Italian literature. Most renowned for his magnum opus, 'The Decameron', Boccaccio made a lasting contribution to the literary canon with his realistic dialogue and unprecedented exploration of human character in the face of the tragic Black Death. 'The Decameron' is a collection of 100 tales told by ten young people who flee to a rural idyll to escape the plague ravaging Florence. Days 6 to 10, often cited separately, contain tales that are notable for their wit and repartee, as well as for engaging with themes of ingenuity and virtue. His literary style is characterized by a shift from the ornate to a more simple, refined approach, pre-empting Renaissance humanism and influencing writers like Chaucer and Shakespeare. Boccaccio's legacy extends into his work on writings such as 'Genealogy of the Pagan Gods' and his various vernacular and Latin poetry, which contribute to our understanding of the transition from medieval to modern thought. His work has endured for its compassionate portrayal of the human condition, its humor, and its critical narrative structure that has informed story-telling ever since.