Boccaccio

Definition

Giovanni Boccaccio was an Italian writer, poet, and scholar from the 14th century, best known for his work 'The Decameron,' which is a collection of novellas that highlights human behavior and social commentary. His influence on Chaucer is significant, as Boccaccio's themes and storytelling techniques shaped Chaucer's literary style and content in various works.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Boccaccio's 'The Decameron' consists of stories that reflect the complexities of life, love, and society during the plague, which influenced Chaucer's approach to character development.
2. Chaucer was heavily inspired by Boccaccio's narrative style, often employing similar framing devices and character interactions in his own writings.
3. The themes of courtly love found in Boccaccio's works are echoed in Chaucer's narratives, but often with a more critical perspective.
4. Boccaccio's influence extends beyond literature into the realms of philosophy and education, marking him as a precursor to the Renaissance humanist movement.
5. The use of vernacular language in Boccaccio's works helped pave the way for Chaucer to write in English rather than Latin or French, making literature more accessible to a wider audience.

Review Questions

• How did Boccaccio influence Chaucer's development as a writer?
  • Boccaccio significantly influenced Chaucer by introducing themes and narrative techniques that shaped Chaucer's literary style. For instance, Boccaccio's use of framing devices and complex character interactions in 'The Decameron' inspired Chaucer to incorporate similar elements in his own works. This influence is particularly evident in Chaucer's ability to blend humor with social commentary, reflecting the complexities of human behavior as seen in Boccaccio's stories.
• Discuss how Boccaccio's treatment of courtly love compares to that of Chaucer.
  • Boccaccio presents courtly love in a nuanced way, often depicting it with idealism yet also highlighting its absurdities. In contrast, Chaucer takes a more critical stance on courtly love conventions in his narratives. While both authors engage with themes of love and desire, Chaucer frequently uses irony and satire to subvert traditional ideals, making readers question the authenticity of such romantic notions as portrayed by Boccaccio.
• Evaluate the impact of Boccaccio on the English literary tradition through his connection with Chaucer.
  • Boccaccio's impact on the English literary tradition is profound, particularly through his connection with Chaucer. By incorporating Boccaccio’s storytelling methods and thematic elements into his own writing, Chaucer helped establish a distinct English literary voice that embraced vernacular language. This shift not only made literature more accessible but also set the stage for future English writers to explore complex characters and social issues, ultimately contributing to the evolution of English literature during the Renaissance.

Related terms

Decameron: A collection of 100 tales told by a group of young people seeking refuge from the Black Death, exploring themes of love, morality, and human nature.

Allegory:

A narrative technique in which characters and events symbolize deeper moral or political meanings, often used in Boccaccio's and Chaucer's works.

Humanism: An intellectual movement that emphasized the value of human potential and achievements, influencing both Boccaccio and Chaucer in their exploration of individual experience.