Boccaccio, il Decameron, i mercanti e l'eros

The middle of Trecento was enlivened by profound social transformations and astonishing expansion of cities and businesses. The countryside, which had once been the center of feudal life lose its central role, and the meaning of life on earth, and the ultimate fate of people begins to be questioned.;The sense of honor, loyalty and courage, which were the foundation of the feudal life, are slowly and unstoppably being replaced by different values: astuteness, perspicacity, business ability, human resource management, cunning and ruthlessness.;Giovanni Boccaccio had the privilege to observe these transformations and the Decameron is an attentive and faithful interpreter of this new emerging world. Boccaccio never takes on the role of judge and sometimes his heroes are genuine scoundrels, boastful people or anti-heroes. He never passes moral judgments nor compiles hierarchies of values. The Decameron offers us an authentic picture of a strong and genuine humanity that grows and evolves, and detaches itself from middle ages.