Abstract
This chapter considers the rhetorical devices of the Decameron as well as the many ways in which Boccaccio establishes a meaningful connection between rhetoric and knowledge. Rhetoric can be epistemic, and in this regard, the characteristics and formal features of the motto, or witty reply, in the Sixth Day of the Decameron show how this metaphorical tool can be considered not only a structuring device of Boccaccio’s discourse, but also a ‘veil,’ a poetical strategy which is able to both conceal and to reveal philosophical knowledge.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.
Buying options
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Learn about institutional subscriptionsAuthor information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2017 The Author(s)
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Andrei, F. (2017). The Motto and the Enigma: Rhetoric and Knowledge in the Sixth Day. In: Boccaccio the Philosopher. The New Middle Ages. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-65115-6_4
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-65115-6_4
Published:
Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-319-65114-9
Online ISBN: 978-3-319-65115-6
eBook Packages: Literature, Cultural and Media StudiesLiterature, Cultural and Media Studies (R0)