The Decameron by Giovanni Boccaccio is a classic work of humanist literature. Written during the European renaissance, this novella follows the lives of middle class young men and women trying to escape the bubonic plague. Their countless tales of love, religion and the human experience immerse the reader into Boccaccio’s time period. The tales reveal much of the beliefs, customs, and social structures of the time. Though some stories seem silly or outdated, many readers may even be astonished to find certain aspects of renaissance life still hold true today. The Decemeron is a testament to the impact of the humanist movement of the Renaissance.