HIST-308 Lecture 31: Vernacular Literature
10 Nov 2020
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Document Summary
Medieval northern italy is distinct from northern europe. This was due to the normans and the hre: northern italy. Cities like venice and florence were rich off mediterranean trade: florence. Politically torn apart by the guelf-ghibelline rivalry between papal and imperial supporters. Unlike milan, florence never succeeded in attaining a full quarantine. Scattered groups of privileged members of society could flee to a country estate: boccaccio. Provided the setting of one of the greatest works of italian vernacular literature. Sent to naples to learn the family business. He became an author, not a merchant when he returned to florence. Took his lead from dante in writing about the object of his courtly love. Opted to write in the florentine dialect of italian. Writing in a vulgar tongue was the tongue of the masses. The framing device in his book is the occasional quarantine. Millions died but a few florentines quarantined themselves and got bored.
