This work has 10 main narrators, 7 of them women, including Fiammetta & Lauretta
The Final Jeopardy clue for Friday, May 9, 2025, challenged contestants with a question from the category Literary Narrators. The clue read: “This work has 10 main narrators, 7 of them women, including Fiammetta & Lauretta.”
What is The Decameron?
The correct response was The Decameron by Giovanni Boccaccio.
The Decameron, written in the 14th century, is a seminal work of Italian literature known for its structure of stories within a story. The book follows a group of ten young people—seven women and three men—who flee Florence to escape the Black Death. Over ten days, each person tells one story per day, resulting in a total of one hundred tales. The inclusion of characters like Fiammetta and Lauretta among the narrators directly ties the clue to this iconic collection.
Understanding the Structure of The Decameron
Boccaccio’s The Decameron uses a frame narrative, where the storytellers themselves become characters within the larger tale. Each day, one member of the group acts as the “king” or “queen” and sets the theme for the stories to be told that day. This narrative device allows the work to explore a wide range of topics, from love and wit to fortune and virtue, all while maintaining cohesion through its storytellers.
The narrators—Fiammetta, Lauretta, Pampinea, Filomena, Emilia, Neifile, and Elissa among the women, and Panfilo, Filostrato, and Dioneo among the men—bring diverse perspectives to the tales. Their voices shape the tone and themes of the stories, creating a dynamic and layered reading experience. The prominence of female narrators like Fiammetta and Lauretta was notable for its time, reflecting Boccaccio’s nuanced approach to gender in storytelling.
The Historical and Literary Significance
Written between 1348 and 1353, The Decameron offers more than just entertainment; it provides insight into the values, fears, and desires of medieval society. Its backdrop—the devastating plague in Florence—serves as both a literal and symbolic starting point for the characters’ journey. By removing themselves from the chaos of the city, the narrators create a space where stories can serve as both escapism and moral reflection.
The work also holds a significant place in literary history for influencing narrative forms in European literature. Authors like Chaucer drew inspiration from Boccaccio’s storytelling methods. The narrative voices in The Decameron—including Fiammetta and Lauretta—paved the way for more individualized and character-driven storytelling in later works.
Why This Clue Stood Out
The choice of The Decameron for Final Jeopardy highlights a work that is foundational yet often overlooked in popular discussions of classic literature. The specific reference to Fiammetta and Lauretta narrows the field for those familiar with medieval narratives, since few works from the era feature a large cast of named narrators, particularly with a majority of them being women.
Contestants needed to connect the names and number of narrators with the structure of the text. While a literature scholar or avid reader might have recognized the clue quickly, others might have been misled by thinking of works with multiple points of view or epistolary formats. The clue tested both literary knowledge and an understanding of narrative forms.
Conclusion: A Testament to Storytelling’s Endurance
The Decameron remains a powerful example of storytelling’s role in society, offering humor, wisdom, and reflection amid hardship. Its narrators, including Fiammetta and Lauretta, are central to its enduring appeal, representing varied voices that contribute to a collective narrative.
Friday’s Final Jeopardy clue brought attention to this literary masterpiece, rewarding those with a deep familiarity with classic literature while inviting others to explore the rich tapestry of tales within The Decameron. Through its narrators, the work continues to bridge centuries, reminding readers of the timeless power of stories.