Comparison of The Canterbury Tales and Decameron

The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer, as well as Decameron by Giovanni

Boccaccio were written in the late 14th century. Although these two stories seem to be quite
different, they have also many similarities, which unite them and make them the subject of
disputes of many scholars. The most similar tales in these works are The Story of Patient
Griselda from Decameron and The Clerks Tale from The Canterbury Tales. The main
goal of these stories is to depict a woman, named Griselda, who endures different sufferings
caused by her beloved man. These sufferings prove her real love and faithfulness. Thus, the
women in both stories are equally loving, devoted, and caring. Although there is no direct
connection between these tales, one can consider that they are connected by the notion perfect
love, which inspires people who suffer from negative influence of the plague. Moreover, the
theme of plague also unites the stories of Boccaccio and Chaucer.
Other stories, which may be compared, are Tale two, Day Ten from Decameron and
The Millers Tale from The Canterbury Tales. The narratives have some similarities in
illustrating vulgarity, as well as love and sex between people of different ages and social classes.
The major theme in both tales is the fact that a young woman is married to a much older man.
However, in Chaucers story, a young scholar desires to make love with a young woman, and in
Boccaccios tale, a young woman seeks for a lover who is more compatible with her basing on
age. Both narratives are obscene and freely play with words and symbols. Thus, the stories might
serve as comedies, relaxing the readers after reading the previous stories about the plague.
Moreover, the tales show the authors distinctions between morality and immorality. Boccaccio
and Chaucer agitate the readers to think about love, sex, and marriage through comic wit, but
they are far from defending promiscuity and betrayal. Besides, with the help of the narrators, the
authors illustrate their personal view on fidelity and infidelity. For example, Dioneus in
Boccaccios tale tells, the Tale that I purpose to relate, will likewise condemne all the like kind
of men, but more especially such as thinke themselves endued with more strength then Nature

meant to bestow on them, foolishly beleeving, that they can cover their owne defects by fabulous
demonstrations, and thinking to fashion other of their owne complexions, that are meerely
strangers to such grosse follies (Boccaccio 186). On the contrary, Chaucer acknowledges that
mortality exists. Moreover, it is the part of human existence. The author is less judgmental about
infidelity than Boccaccio. In The Millers Tale, the narrator tells that he does not care whether
his wife sleeps with another man or not. Thus, he shows some kind of neutrality regarding moral
aspects. Besides, his characters show greater naivety and lack of good judgment.
The Decameron and The Canterbury Tales are similar not only by their particular
tales, but also by some basic themes and narrative strategies. Both stories are written in the form
of several narratives; every narrative explores different themes and perspectives, as well as
contradictions. For instance, Boccaccio is more direct in his opinions, and Chaucer often ends
the main idea for the readers to think. The biggest similarity is depiction of the plague, which has
destructive influence on the society. Moreover, the stories gives the audience moral lessons.
While reading the stories, one can penetrate into the Medieval Period and understand the
relations between people in that time. Thus, the stories are great examples of English literature,
which teach the readers the eternal values of life.

Works Cited
Boccaccio, Giovanni. Decameron. 1350. Web. 24. October 2015.
http://pinkmonkey.com/dl/library1/b1.pdf