The Library Annex

Oh, foolish minds! One brief fragment of an hour will separate the spirit from the failing body, and bring to nothing all the blameworthy toils, and time, which must consume all things, will either quickly destroy the memory of the wealthy man, or preserve it for a little while to his shame. This certainly will not happen to our poet. Rather, just as we see implements of war become more brilliant by usage, so will it be with his name, and the more it is rubbed by time, the more it will continue to shine. Therefore let him who wants to, toil on in his own pursuits, and let it suffice him to be left alone to do so, without seeking to censure another’s virtuous work, condemning things which he does not understand himself.

What would Dante think of this biography?

Giovanni Boccaccio, an Italian master in his own right, professes reverberating vibrato in his praise for Dante and condemnation of Florence; his logical arguments regarding virtues and vices, his definitions on the nature of poetry and greatness, resound with inspiration. But how would Dante, as the primary subject of this work (digressions aside), characterize it?

As a modern reader, one must consider Boccaccio’s motivations as well as his audience’s demands. As medieval literature bridged over to early Renaissance, was Boccaccio more concerned with accurately recounting Dante’s life or with composing a treatise glorifying the meaning of that life as exemplified through his craft?

Throughout the book, Boccaccio describes Dante’s experience as one fraught with ill-fortune rather than personal choices; as a tragic victim of circumstance. While describing a man who composed one of the greatest epic poems in western culture analyzing merits, Boccaccio does not seem to analyze Dante’s experiences according to his merits. Boccaccio rather characterizes Dante as an ascetic man of learning who did not gain his appropriate reward – the same analysis he may have provided for any wise man of Dante’s caliber who similarly suffered. In this sense, Boccaccio does not illustrate a life of Dante in particular but rather delivers fiery sermons on the just deserts of anyone with such brilliance. He calls Dante’s tendency to love a distraction from his studies; something that cheated him out of additional greatness and higher learning. But let us not forget that Dante’s vision of God centered around love. So I ask again: Was Boccaccio more concerned with remaining true to Dante or with broadcasting his own ideas?

Any skeptic would likely jerk at the smelling salts of Dante’s mother’s prophetic dreams or his son’s vision of the location of the The Divine Comedy’s last thirteen cantos. With these devices Boccaccio adds a legendary quality to the memory of Dante; as if telling the tale of a Homeric or biblical hero. Again, what is Boccaccio’s intention?

I believe Boccaccio simply wants to glorify his craft and compel society to help him. Any great civilization focuses on its heroes rather than its sins. When that society’s sins fall to its heros, men propagating glory must intervene lest the mythical illusion fade. Therefore, rather than reading a true biography of a man; composed of astounding accomplishments, shameful flaws and vulnerabilities, we read of a legend whose fellow man jabbed a spear into his side but to whom they should all aspire to emulate.