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| The Decameron (1358) by Boccaccio. |
- Brian Mendonca
Decameron (1358) by Italian writer Giovanni Boccaccio (1313 -1375) speaks to us today with a greater urgency than ever.
Set against the backdrop of bubonic plague (caused by rats) in Italy the set of stories shows how humans are directed by their basic instincts which cannot be suppressed.
With death hovering inside homes, streets, and inns, Italians sought to throw morals to the wind and indulge themselves - for they may be struck by the plague by the evening.
Emerging out of COVID-19, with some of its effects still besieging us, it is easy to identify with the characters who showcase the 'live for the moment' philosophy at its best.
The text is now fodder for a Netflix serial by the same name. Released this year, the first season has 8 episodes and is billed somewhat sadly as a comedy.
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