This 3-page undergraduate paper answers study questions about The Decameron, including questions such as How might the story of Cerpperello(the first story) be interpreted as a reply to Dante? What does it suggest about the nature of sin, divine mercy, and redemption? Keeping in mind the fictional confession that Cerpperello offers the friar, what does it imply about the nature of fiction? In what ways might the stories of Guilaume De Rousillon (ninth story of the fourth day) and Nastagio Degli Onesti (eight story of the fifth day ) be seen as echoing scenes in Dante? What do these tales suggest about the values associated with the institution of courtly love? What meaning or moral, if any, do you see in the story of the Pinuccio, Adriano, and Niccolosa (the sixth story of the ninth day) be seen as echoing scenes in Dante? What do these tales suggest about the values associated with the institution of courtly love? What does the story of Federigo and Monna Giovanna (the ninth tale of the fifth day) suggest about the nature of the courtly lover? Why must the child die in this story? What would be wrong if he lived? How are we meant to view Griselda and Gualtieri in the final tale of the Decameron (tenth story of the tenth day)? Do you see her as a passive victim, a saint, or simply as an idiot? Is he a tyrannical monster-or an agent of god sent to reveal Griseldas inner virtue?"
