Storytelling as Plague Prevention in Medieval and Early Modern Italy: The Decameron Tradition

Martin Marafioti explores the literary tradition of storytelling as a healing tool following traumatic visitations from the plague, particularly in Giovanni Boccaccio's Decameron and other Italian collections. He analyzes the ups and downs of the realistic novella as a genre.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 138 pages
\n Publication date: 19 December 2017
\n Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd
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Through meticulous examinations of five Italian collections of novellas spanning a remarkable 500-year period, Martin Marafioti delves into the rich tapestry of storytelling, exploring its profound capacity as a healing balm in the wake of devastating encounters with the plague. Providing a foundational framework for subsequent authors, Giovanni Boccaccio's renowned Decameron serves as a pivotal text in this scholarly endeavor. While Boccaccio may not have been the inaugural writer to grapple with pestilence or epidemics in his literary creations, he holds a unique distinction as the pioneer who seamlessly merged the theme of a life-threatening predicament with a public health calamity of immense magnitude, such as the Black Death. Moreover, it is Marafioti who boldly advocates for storytelling as a proactive measure in times of plague, offering a novel approach to safeguarding against the ravages of the disease.

Subsequently, Marafioti embarks on a comprehensive analysis of Franco Sacchetti's Trecento Novelle, Giovanni Sercambi's Novelliere, Celio Malespini's Duecento Novelle, and Francesco Argelati's Decamerone. This intricate exploration follows the evolution of the realistic novella, tracing its fluctuations in structure and thematic content over an extended period. By delving into these collections, Marafioti sheds light on the intricate nuances and complexities that characterize the realistic novella as a genre, highlighting its enduring appeal and its ability to captivate readers across generations.

In conclusion, Martin Marafioti's profound study delves into the literary tradition of storytelling, focusing specifically on its therapeutic role in the aftermath of traumatic plague encounters. By examining the works of influential authors like Giovanni Boccaccio, Franco Sacchetti, Giovanni Sercambi, Celio Malespini, and Francesco Argelati, Marafioti sheds light on the evolution of the realistic novella as a genre and its enduring significance in shaping the literary landscape. Through his meticulous analysis, Marafioti demonstrates the power of storytelling to provide solace, healing, and a sense of resilience in the face of adversity, making it a valuable tool for navigating the challenges of history.

\n Weight: 376g\n
Dimension: 160 x 240 x 18 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781409406419\n \n