The Decameron

The Decameron is a collection of 100 tales written by Giovanni Boccaccio in the 14th century. Set during the Black Plague in Florence, the book frames its stories through ten young nobles—seven women and three men—who flee to the countryside to escape the epidemic. To pass the time and preserve their spirits, they decide to tell one story each per day over ten days. The tales range from comic to tragic, exploring themes such as love, intelligence, betrayal, fortune, and morality. Many stories celebrate wit and human resilience, often poking fun at corruption within the clergy, hypocrisy in society, and the unpredictability of fate. Characters include clever wives, foolish husbands, lustful priests, noble lovers, and tricksters who outsmart the powerful. Through this rich mosaic of voices, Boccaccio paints a vivid portrait of human nature—its follies, desires, and strengths. Although born from the fear of death, the stories affirm life, joy, and the power of storytelling to heal and unite. The Decameron is both a mirror of medieval society and a timeless testament to human creativity in crisis.