The Decameron

Question 1

Author of The Decameron

Answer 1

Boccaccio

Question 2

Year The Decameron was written

Answer 2

1350 CE

Question 3

Boccaccio Background

Answer 3

• Survivor of Florence plague
• Illegitimate son of wealthy merchant
• Well-educated

Question 4

Structure of The Decameron

Answer 4

• Frame story: Escape from plague in Florence
• 100 stories told by 10 aristocratic Florentines for 10 days
• Model for Canterbury Tales

Question 5

The Author’s Preface in The Decameron addresses…

Answer 5

• Human capacity for compassion (feels obliged to console others as a recipient of consolation)
• Women are fitting recipients of comfort

Question 6

The Author’s Introduction in The Decameron addresses…

Answer 6

• Addressed to compassionate ladies
• Begins with plague narrative (Thucydides structure)
• After the 10 escape, stories provide comfort from “reality”
• Emphasizes social class