Boccaccio

Boccaccio One of the most valuable tools for learning about past cultures and societies is through the literature of that period. When studying the fourteenth century, a surplus of good books exist revealing characteristics of life at that time. One of such books is The Decameron by Giovanni Boccaccio. In The Decameron, Boccaccio describes lifestyles in the fourteenth century through 10 days of stories told by various characters. He covers all topics and even though he …

…become so overlooked. Througout the Eighth day of The Decameron, Boccaccio uses specific examples in displaying characteristics of people. These characteristics are not merely fictional depictions, but accurate observances of people in the fourteenth century Europe. He shows that women were submissive in the family, men were dominant in the workplace, and everyone was sexualy permiscuous. By comparing his works to historical data, one can develop a good understanding of life in the fourteenth century.