Storytelling as Plague Prevention in Medieval and Early Modern Italy

Through close readings of five Italian collections of novellas written over a 500-year period, Martin Marafioti explores the literary tradition of storytelling, and particularly its efficacy as a prophylactic tool following traumatic visitations from the plague. The texts examined include Giovanni Boccaccio's Decameron, which provides the framework for later authors; Franco Sacchetti's Trecento Novelle; Giovanni Sercambi's Novelliere; Celio Malespini's Duecento Novelle; and Francesco Argelati's Decamerone.