The Decameron (Day Five)

Questions from Adam and Darien:

7.3 Question --- What is the central theme that drives the main characters’ actions in this story? What, if anything, does Bocaccio have to say about this theme? Use examples from the text to support your answer.

7:5 Question --- What do the narrator’s words in the prologue of the story tell us about how the society viewed the relationship between husband and wife? Has our society progressed from this viewpoint? Regressed?

8:3 Question --- How does Bocaccio accomplish the comedy in this vignette? Find two or three quotes and describe how and why the scene is comedic for the reader.

8:7 Question --- Whose side is the reader supposed to take in this story, Elena’s or Rinieri’s? How does Bocaccio create empathy in the reader for these characters?

8:7 Question --- What does this story say about the limits of intelligence? In what ways are intelligence used and abused in this story?

8:8 Question --- Passion is embraced and celebrated in this story. Is this theme still celebrated today? Make connections between specific examples in the text and modern cultural norms.

Alternatively, discuss prevalent themes in three of the stories. What is Bocaccio's stance on these themes? These themes certainly resonate with modern society, but does Bocaccio's attitude resonate as well?