Decameron Fourth Day in Perspective

This volume in the Lectura Boccaccii series provides close readings of Day Four of the Decameron, exploring different perspectives such as linguistic, philosophical, anthropological, and literary historical, demonstrating the enduring power of Boccaccio's masterpiece to resonate with new audiences.

Format: Hardback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 10 November 2020
Publisher: University of Toronto Press

This volume, part of the Lectura Boccaccii series organized by the American Boccaccio Association, offers in-depth analyses by esteemed scholars of Day Four of the Decameron. As enthusiasts of the Decameron are well aware, the Fourth Day begins with a crucial intervention in which the author defends his project against his critics, coinciding with a significant shift in tone as the narrative focuses on stories with unhappy endings. The contributors approach the stories from diverse perspectives, encompassing linguistic, philosophical, anthropological, and literary historical analyses. These fresh interpretations of stories that are nearly seven hundred years old serve as a testament to Boccaccio's masterpiece's enduring ability to resonate with new audiences and retain its compelling relevance, even when situated in a distant medieval context.

Introduction:
The Decameron, a collection of 100 tales penned by Italian author Giovanni Boccaccio in the early 14th century, is widely regarded as one of the greatest works of medieval literature. Each day of the Decameron, narrated by a different character, presents a different story, ranging from hilarious comedies to tragic tragedies. Day Four, in particular, stands out for its significant intervention and its exploration of stories with unhappy endings.

Intervention:
The Fourth Day opens with an important intervention by Boccaccio himself, in which he defends his project against his critics. This intervention serves as a turning point in the Decameron, as it marks a shift in tone and subject matter. Boccaccio addresses his detractors directly, outlining his intentions and the significance of his work. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling and the ability of literature to transcend time and culture.

Change in Tone:
As the Fourth Day progresses, the tone of the stories becomes darker and more introspective. The tales are no longer focused on lighthearted humor and witty banter, but rather on the darker aspects of human nature and the consequences of moral choices. The characters face difficult situations, and their struggles often lead to tragic outcomes.

Contributors' Perspectives:
The contributors to this volume approach the stories from a variety of perspectives, drawing on their expertise in different fields. Linguists analyze the language and vocabulary used in the stories, exploring the linguistic nuances that contribute to the characters' personalities and the overall mood of the narrative. Philosophers examine the philosophical themes present in the stories, exploring issues such as the nature of reality, the role of fate, and the consequences of human actions. Anthropologists analyze the cultural and social context of the Decameron, exploring the societal norms and values of the 14th century. Literary historians examine the historical and literary influences on the Decameron, exploring the works that influenced Boccaccio's writing and the broader literary trends of the time.

Enduring Relevance:
These fresh readings of stories that are nearly seven hundred years old testify to the enduring power of Boccaccio's masterpiece to speak to new audiences and to find compelling relevance even at a great distance from its immediate medieval context. The Decameron remains a rich source of literary and philosophical insights, offering a window into the human condition and the complexities of moral decision-making.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this volume of the Lectura Boccaccii series provides a comprehensive and insightful exploration of Day Four of the Decameron. Through close readings by top scholars from various disciplines, the contributors shed light on the themes, characters, and literary significance of the stories. The Decameron's enduring power to resonate with new audiences and to find compelling relevance in contemporary times serves as a testament to Boccaccio's unparalleled talent as a storyteller and his profound understanding of the human condition.

Weight: 528g
Dimension: 161 x 236 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781487507473