The setting of The Decameron is primarily in Florence, Italy during the early 14th century, a time marked by the devastation of the Black Death. The story unfolds in a rustic villa outside Florence where a group of seven young women and three young men take refuge from the plague.
These ten characters come together to escape the chaos and suffering caused by the disease, allowing for a backdrop that intensifies the themes of love, fortune, and human resilience. The villa represents a temporary sanctuary where the characters tell stories to entertain themselves while avoiding the harsh realities of the world outside.
As the narrative progresses, the setting shifts between the idyllic countryside and the dark realities of the plague-ridden city, highlighting the contrast between life and death, pleasure and suffering. The choice of setting plays a crucial role in shaping the stories, as it allows for a mix of social classes and experiences, all of which are woven into the enchanting tales of The Decameron.