Thursday 11/14: Arabic, Persian, and Ottoman Sources and Reworkings of the Decameron: GERMAN 298 A Au 24: Topics In Literature And Culture

In this session, we will examine Day 7, Story 9 of Boccaccio's Decameron (read either in the English translation by G. H. McWilliam Download the English translation by G. H. McWilliam or inthe English translation of John Payne Links to an external site.) alongside Chaucer's "Merchant's Tale" Download "Merchant's Tale" from The Canterbury Tales. As you read these texts before class, please observe and analyze their similarities and differences in plot structure, character typologies, narrative techniques, and any other significant elements that stand out to you. Consider how these aspects contribute to the thematic and cultural dimensions of each work.

Additionally, we will explore other iterations of this narrative, particularly those produced within the Islamicate world. To this end, we will read an English translation of the Persian version Download the Persian version and, if time permits, the Ottoman Turkish rendition during class. For your convenience, in-class readings will be accessible on Canvas and available in print.

Further (NOT required) readings for those who would like to explore more:

Lee, A. Collingwood. "Day 7, Novel 9." Download "Day 7, Novel 9." In The Decameron: Its Sources and Analogues. pp. 231-244. London: David Nutt, 1909.

Lewis, F.D. “One Chaste Muslim Maiden and a Persian in a Pear Tree: Analogues of Boccaccio and Chaucer in Four Earlier Arabic and Persian Tales.” Download “One Chaste Muslim Maiden and a Persian in a Pear Tree: Analogues of Boccaccio and Chaucer in Four Earlier Arabic and Persian Tales.” In Metaphor and Imagery in Persian Poetry, 6:137–203, 2012.