Why is the Decameron famous?

While primarily a work of fiction, the Introduction to The Decameron has emerged as an important historical record of the physical, psychological, and social effects of the aggressive spread of the previously unknown Yersina pestis bacteria.

What theme is presented on the third day in the Decameron?

Pampinea second tale follows on the theme of sexcapades, except that everyone gets to keep their honour. The third tale, narrated by Filomena, shows how dimwitted friars can be a conduit for others’ lust, while in Panfilo’s fourth tale it is the friar who gets to enjoy himself through a husband’s piety.

Why did Boccaccio Write The Decameron?

Boccaccio’s own purpose in writing is to “offer some solace…to those who stand in need of it”, both to those women whom he specifically identifies and, more implicitly, to Italians suffering in the face of epidemic.

Is The Decameron a good read?

In addition to its literary value and widespread influence (for example on Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales), it provides a document of life at the time. Written in the vernacular of the Florentine language, it is considered a masterpiece of classical early Italian prose.

Is The Decameron worth reading?

They think of the 14th century as a time that’s punishing people, but with “The Decameron” you get something else: a world that actually seems close to our modern world filled with people that are defined by modern cleverness and the same instincts that drive us. It’s a fun read.

What is the message of The Decameron?

Almost all the stories are about love and lust (we’ll get to lust later). The most important message seems to be that love is a natural and powerful force that can’t be denied; it overwhelms reason and common sense; it transforms people. In The Decameron, love is usually consummated in sex.

What disability does Masetto pretend to have?

But he knows that it’ll be hard to convince a religious order to hire a handsome and strong young man, so Masetto pretends he’s deaf and mute.

Who is the storyteller of the tenth tale on the third day?

Tenth tale (III, 10) Dioneo narrates what is by far the most obscene and bawdy tale in the Decameron.

How does The Decameron reflect humanism?

The Decameron reflects Humanistic thinking about the elevation of man, which had an influence upon morality in the Renaissance. The Renaissance was a period when society, attitudes and ideas were changing. Capitalism allowed for social mobility, yet it also served to change peoples opinions on morality.