In 1306, the early signs of the plague began to emerge in Europe, foreshadowing the devastating pandemic that would sweep across the continent in the following decades. Originating from Asia, the plague caused widespread fear and mortality, significantly impacting society and culture. The societal upheaval and loss of life would influence various aspects of life, including literature and the arts.

The spread of the plague profoundly affected poets and writers, leading to themes of mortality, loss, and existential reflection in their works. Poets like Boccaccio, who wrote about the Black Death in 'The Decameron,' captured the human experience during this tumultuous period. The plague's impact on society would inspire a wave of literature that explored the fragility of life and the human condition, shaping the direction of poetry for generations.