Giovanni Boccaccio’s ‘The Decameron‘ offers a vivid exploration of human nature set against the devastating backdrop of the Black Death. Written in the 14th century, this literary work is a collection of 100 tales narrated by 10 young nobles. They escape the plague in Florence by retreating to a villa in the countryside.
As Tanya Reynolds stated, “It’s like a medieval ‘Love Island,’ and it descends into ‘Lord of the Flies’ chaos.” The series takes a page from Boccaccio’s book but adds its own twist. Instead of sticking to noble highborn tales, Netflix throws servants and nobles into the mix. It highlights the juicy gap between the rich and the not-so-rich—a theme that’s more relatable than ever in today’s world.
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The Real Inspiration Behind ‘The Decameron’
Giovanni Boccaccio, born in 1313, was somewhat of a literary renegade. The son of a wealthy merchant, he quit banking for a life of poetry and storytelling—a move we all secretly wish we could make. When the Black Death struck Florence in 1348, Boccaccio utilized the chaos to create ‘The Decameron.’
Each day, the group of storytellers picks a king or queen to choose the day’s topic, from deception to heartbreaking love stories. Despite the stories are set in a world of death and sickness, they are vibrant, often bawdy, and even scandalous. They borrow from myths and local gossip, making them relatable yet timeless.
Boccaccio’s choice to write in Italian rather than Latin was a game-changer, making literature accessible and inspiring future authors like Chaucer and Shakespeare. As Smithsonian Magazine notes, Boccaccio’s work “portrays the complexities of human nature in the face of calamity.” It captures both the folly and strength of people confronting an existential threat.
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Insights From The Netflix Adaptation
Netflix’s adaptation of ‘The Decameron‘ offers a modern take on Boccaccio’s timeless tales. As showrunner Kathleen Jordan tells the Times, “I think an Italian medievalist will be disappointed if they come to this show expecting to see their favorite Decameron stories depicted.”
Kathleen Jordan used the backdrop of a historical pandemic to explore very current issues about class and power. It underscores how the series aims to bridge the gap between the past and the present. This adaptation explores the lives of nobles and servants alike, offering a raw, comedic, and sometimes dark exploration of human behavior. Just as Jessica Plummer, who plays noble Filomena said, “A lot of drama, a lot of sex, a lot of, yeah, craziness.”
As per Netflix’s statement, “As time goes on and social rules wear thin, the orgy of riches and liquor collapses into a struggle for survival.” The show features a diverse cast that brings a contemporary lens to these age-old stories.
‘The Decameron’ debuted on Netflix on 25th July 2024.
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