Book Review – 54 – The Decameron by Giovanni Boccaccio

Book Review – 54 – The Decameron by Giovanni Boccaccio

Title: The Decameron. Author: Giovanni Boccaccio. Publication Details: The Decameron was first published in 1353 and written in Italian. Genre: Medieval Literature, Short Stories, Allegory.

Introduction

The Decameron by Giovanni Boccaccio stands as one of the most important works in the history of world literature, providing a comprehensive glimpse into the life, culture and social dynamics of 14th-century Italy. Written against the backdrop of the Black Death, the collection of stories speaks to both the human desire for survival and the complexities of relationships, morality and societal norms. With its varied genres— ranging from bawdy humor to tragic romance— The Decameron provides a multifaceted exploration of human nature and the complexities of life during one of history’s most catastrophic pandemics.

Summary of the Plot

The novel begins with a group of ten young Florentines— seven women and three men— who, in an attempt to escape the ravages of the plague, retire to a secluded villa outside the city. Over the course of ten days, they tell one story each day, creating a total of 100 tales. Each storyteller has a different approach: some recount romantic escapades, others weave moral fables, while some indulge in comedic, often risqué tales. Through these stories, Boccaccio explores themes of love, wit, deception and fate, capturing a rich tapestry of human experience. As the narrators recount their tales, they engage in lively conversations about love, loyalty, honor and the intricacies of human relationships.

Though the primary frame narrative involves the group of storytellers, each story is self-contained, providing a series of vignettes that explore the many facets of life in Italy during the 14th century. Some stories are marked by humor and eroticism, while others delve into darker, more tragic themes, all of which reveal the author’s keen observations on the social and moral codes of his time.

Analysis of Themes 

The Power of Storytelling: At its core, The Decameron celebrates the transformative power of storytelling. Each tale within the collection serves as an escape from the harsh realities of life, particularly the plague that looms over the storytellers. The act of narrating becomes an act of survival— offering not only a respite from death but also a space for personal expression, entertainment and moral reflection.

Human Desire and Love: Love, in its various forms, is a central theme in the work. Boccaccio explores the complexities of romantic love, lust and desire, often highlighting the tension between these forces and societal expectations. Many stories revolve around love’s ability to transcend boundaries, including class, marriage and societal norms, often presenting characters who act on their desires, regardless of the consequences.

Deception and Wit: Another prominent theme is the role of wit and deception in human interactions. Many of the tales feature clever, resourceful characters who use trickery to manipulate their circumstances, whether in romantic pursuits or as a means of escaping danger. Through these stories, Boccaccio comments on the flexibility of moral behavior and the prevalence of human cunning, often blurring the line between right and wrong.

Social Critique: The Decameron also serves as a sharp social commentary, addressing issues such as class inequality, corruption within the church and the hypocritical nature of societal norms. Boccaccio’s characters often challenge established hierarchies, calling attention to the gap between social classes and the limitations of the moral codes that govern their actions.

Style and Structure

1. Narrative Style

Boccaccio’s narrative structure is notable for its framing device: the group of ten narrators, each of whom contributes one story per day. This episodic structure allows Boccaccio to explore a range of topics and genres, from romance to tragedy, comedy to allegory, while providing a sense of continuity and progression. The framework also allows for varying narrative voices, which keeps the stories dynamic and engaging.

2. Language and Tone

The language of The Decameron is lively and direct, with a clear focus on engaging the reader’s imagination. Boccaccio uses humor, irony and wit to bring his characters and their worlds to life. The tone varies depending on the tale being told: some are playful and humorous, while others are somber and reflective. The sharp contrasts between these tones help maintain the reader's interest and underscore the variety of human experiences Boccaccio sought to depict.

Critical Evaluation

1. Strengths

One of the greatest strengths of The Decameron is its breadth and diversity. The collection offers a rich tapestry of characters, settings and themes, which makes it both an engaging read and a valuable resource for understanding medieval Italian society. The range of narrative voices and storytelling techniques allows Boccaccio to present a kaleidoscope of human experiences, from the farcical to the tragic, from the deeply moral to the humorously immoral.

Boccaccio’s ability to blend humor with social critique is another strength of the work. Many of the tales, particularly the bawdy ones, serve as a vehicle for satirizing the church, the aristocracy and societal norms. The tales are also marked by a sharp observation of human nature, which gives the collection a timeless quality.

2. Weaknesses

While The Decameron is widely regarded as a masterpiece, its reliance on humor and sexual themes may alienate some readers. The bawdy nature of many stories can come across as excessive, particularly for modern readers who may find the constant sexual innuendos off-putting. Additionally, the portrayal of women in The Decameron has been criticized for being somewhat one-dimensional, often reducing female characters to mere objects of desire or the targets of male wit.

Moreover, the episodic nature of the book can sometimes make it feel disjointed, as the reader moves from one story to another with little overarching narrative to tie the tales together. Some readers may find this lack of cohesion a challenge, though it can also be seen as part of the book’s charm and appeal.

Conclusion

The Decameron by Giovanni Boccaccio is a masterful work of medieval literature that continues to captivate readers today. Through its vivid stories and sharp social commentary, Boccaccio provides a window into the complexities of human nature, love and society during the tumultuous years of the Black Death. Despite some criticisms regarding its portrayal of women and its sometimes excessive humor, The Decameron remains an enduring classic that offers both entertainment and moral reflection, making it a cornerstone of Western literature.

References

1. Boccaccio, Giovanni. The Decameron. Translated by G.H. McWilliam, Penguin Classics, 1995.

2. Waller, Gary. The Decameron: A Critical Guide. University of Wisconsin Press, 2006.

3. Marucci, Robert. "Boccaccio’s Decameron and the Nature of Narrative." Medieval Studies Journal, 1997.

4. Grassi, Antonio. Boccaccio’s Decameron: A Study in Medieval Eroticism. Yale University Press, 1988.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the main premise of Giovanni Boccaccio’s The Decameron?

The novel is framed around ten young people who, escaping the Black Death, take refuge in a villa and tell 100 stories over ten days, exploring a wide range of themes such as love, deception, and social norms.

How does Giovanni Boccaccio’s The Decameron reflect medieval society?

The work Giovanni Boccaccio’s The Decameron offers sharp critiques of the church, social hierarchies and class distinctions, revealing the complexities of medieval Italian society and its moral and ethical dilemmas. 

What is the significance of the stories in Giovanni Boccaccio’s The Decameron?

The stories in Giovanni Boccaccio’s The Decameron are varied and serve as both entertainment and moral reflection, exploring themes like love, fate, and the unpredictability of life during a time of social and personal upheaval.