In 1338, the Black Death began to spread across Europe, with significant outbreaks reported in cities like Florence, Italy. This devastating pandemic led to the deaths of millions and had profound social and cultural impacts. The plague not only altered the course of European history but also influenced the themes and subjects of poetry, as writers grappled with mortality and despair.

The Black Death inspired poets such as Boccaccio, who wrote 'The Decameron,' capturing the human experience during the plague. The themes of death, loss, and the fragility of life became prevalent in poetry, leading to a rich exploration of existential questions that would resonate in later literary movements, including the Renaissance.