The Decameron · Chapter
Day the Fifth Introduction explained
Under the governance of Fiammetta, the company rises at dawn, enjoys the dewy fields, returns for refreshments, dines with mirth and dancing, and then gathers by the fountain where the queen commands Pamfilo to begin the day's tales of love
What happens
Under the governance of Fiammetta, the company rises at dawn, enjoys the dewy fields, returns for refreshments, dines with mirth and dancing, and then gathers by the fountain where the queen commands Pamfilo to begin the day's tales of lovers' happy fortunes after cruel adversities.
Themes in this chapter
The Power of Storytelling
The introduction establishes the ritual of storytelling as a central, communal activity that shapes the day's themes and bonds the company.
Characters to notice
Key passages
“The East was already all white and the rays of the rising sun had made it light through all our hemisphere, when Fiammetta, allured by the sweet song of the birds that blithely chanted the first hour of the day upon the branches, arose and let call all the other ladies and the three young men;”
At dawn, with the sky brightening and birds singing, Fiammetta woke and summoned the entire company.
Describes the idyllic start to the fifth day under Fiammetta's leadership.
“Then she, having seated herself in the chief room, looked towards Pamfilo and smilingly charged him make a beginning with the fair-fortuned stories; whereto he willingly addressed himself and spoke as follows:”
Fiammetta took her place, smiled at Pamfilo, and asked him to start the tales of happy lovers, which he gladly did.
Highlights the queen's authority and Pamfilo's readiness to begin the day's theme.