1) Elaborate upon the opening sentence of theDecameron: "To take pity on people in distress is a human quality which every man and woman should possess, but it is especially requisite in those who have once needed comfort, and found it in others" (Decameron, p.1). What does this sentence mean to you?

2) What are the different contemporary, real-life contexts in which you feel it is particularly applicable?

3) After reading the Proem, define what the Author means by the opening sentence of theDecameron: "It is a matter of humanity to show compassion for those who suffer" (Decameron, p.i).

4) What does "compassion" mean to the Author? Who are "those who suffer" according to the Author? What is the situation in which they find themselves?

Now synthesize your responses to #1-4 into two paragraphs that distinguish between your first reactions to the opening sentence of theDecameron, and how you interpret the sentence in the context in which it appears. Your final post should be at least 100 and 150 words total, though it might be longer than that. Read the Discussion Board grading rubric and the Successive Sample Posts (under Assignments) to see how your initial post will be evaluated.