Why did some critics describe the Decameron as vulgar or cynical?

Some critics historically labeled the Decameron as vulgar or cynical due to its inclusion of tales featuring trickery, deceit, and bawdy license, particularly those found in the stories of Days 7, 8, and 9. These elements led some observers to characterize Giovanni Boccaccio as an "obscene mocker" or a "sensual cynic" who focused on human folly and earthly desires rather than traditional religious or ascetic ideals.12

However, modern scholarship has largely moved away from this narrow interpretation. Critics now emphasize that Boccaccio maintained an affirmation of moral values even within his most licentious passages. Rather than being purely cynical, the work is recognized for its humanistic approach, which encourages readers to accept life as it is, acknowledge the consequences of their actions, and strive to overcome fortune through human will and reason. By grounding his narrative in perceived reality rather than received doctrine, Boccaccio sought to explore the complexities of human nature, ultimately creating a masterpiece that balances humor and tragedy with a serious underlying moral order.123