A study of the Novelle of Gentile Sermini

Abstract

I have concentrated my research on the two basic problems of the dating of the text and its geographical provenance. I have tried to clarify the position as regards the descriptions of the two MSS and their contents from the time of Apostolo Zeno's first 'annotation'. I have attempted to place the text geographically by tracing the topographical boundaries of the narrative. The result points to Siena. The linguistic features of both the printed text and the Merciana MS also concord in indicating Siena. The material concerning the Sermini family is of value for it proves that such a family was Sienese. The scarcity of readily available material makes a thorough search of the Siena and Ferrara Archives for biographical material concerning Gentile Sermini necessary. Much work still remains to be done in defining the chronological boundaries of the Novelle. I have attempted to date the text by following up Sermini's references to events and people. The result has led me to propose a new 'terminus post quem' of 1440 circa. This date cannot be considered definitive, however, until additional research has been done. I have examined possible sources of themes, literary and popular motifs in both the prose and poetry. The resulting 'terminus post quem' is also 1440 circa. In this thesis I have also attempted to describe the social context of the Novelle.