The Decameron

First Day; Third Story: “each believes itself to be the true heir, to possess the true Law, and to follow the true commandments, but whoever is right, just as in the case of the rings, is still undecided.” P. 45

This quote draws my interest because it poses a very interesting question and with it a simple answer. We all struggle with the concept of which religion is right or if any are even right. This quote expresses the animosity between the three different religions despite their similar if not the same origin. Although, beyond this, it also expresses the fundamental thought that we all know nothing. I find the answer to the question, although simple, to be quite the thought-provoking idea. We simply cannot know who is right. Our knowledge as mortals or whatever you believe is too limited to foresee the culmination of everything we are. This idea truly provokes, intimidates and fascinates me endlessly.

First Day; Fourth Story: “No one will ever know, and a sin that is hidden, is half forgiven.” P. 48

This quote drew my interest because I found it oddly humorous that such a dirty rhyme scheme was present. After the undying love and purity of the first stories, it was unexpected to find such a quote. Although it easily portrays the corruption of the Church at the time and the secrecy veiled around it. I’d say it represents the hypocrisy of the Church in those days as well, proclaiming the world should abstain from indulgence as they delve into the finer sins. It expresses the general theme of dishonesty, hypocrisy and overall sleaze of the clergy and people of the time.

First Day; First Story: “It is clear that since earthly things are all transitory and mortal, they are in themselves full of worries, anguish, and toil, and are subject to countless dangers which we, who live with them are part of them, could neither endure nor defend ourselves from if strength and foresight were not granted to us through God’s special grace.” P. 25

This quote sparked my interest immediately upon reading it. I find it interesting because it states how without God humanity could not sustain the worry and woe driven upon us from life’s hardships. This seems like a constant and evident worry of the medieval man and the overall reliance on the Church in the medieval times, despite the debauchery behind the curtain. I find it interesting as well because it is one sided, in which it states that all things “earthly” are in turn “full of worries, anguish, and toil…” I find it odd because there is so much beauty in “earthly” things even if they are mortal. It casts the start of the story in an ominous tone, which seemingly well represents the wickedness of its characters. I found it appropriate for the story, yet peculiar for our overall existence beyond the stories. Truly beauty lies deep within each aspect of our earthly world; perhaps the people of the Medieval Ages should have been searching for God in these earthly aspects of life to inspire a more pleasing outlook.