The history of the Black Death in literature

The Black Death, which swept through Europe in the 14th century, inspired a rich body of literature reflecting the trauma of the plague. Writers like Giovanni Boccaccio in "The Decameron" depicted the societal collapse and human response to disaster. Later, authors such as Edgar Allan Poe and Albert Camus explored themes of mortality and absurdity in the face of suffering. The plague's profound impact on culture and thought has made it a powerful symbol in literature, representing the fragility of life and the human condition, while continuing to resonate in modern works.