Final answer:
The humanist ideal is mirrored in Boccaccio's 'Decameron' through the depiction of individualism and the potential of human beings, which aligns with the humanist emphasis on the value and dignity of humans and their capacity to affect society.
Step-by-step explanation:
The humanist ideal is reflected in Boccaccio's 'Decameron' primarily through the portrayal of individualism and human potential. The collection of novellas in 'The Decameron' explore various themes of love, loss, and fortune, with a focus on human experiences and emotions during the time of the Black Death. This period piece aligns with humanist thought, stressing the value and dignity of human beings, as well as their capacity for self-improvement and influence on society, without resorting to divine intervention or adherence to conventional societal norms.Humanism, as an intellectual movement, emphasized the study of humanities to revive the cultural legacy and moral philosophy of classical antiquity. The traits of the movement included a reaction against the utilitarian approach to education, and a focus on creating citizens capable of contributing eloquently to civic life. Boccaccio's characters, through their storytelling, reflect this intellectual independence and celebrate human achievements and potential, cohering with the ideals set forth by figures like Francesco Petrarca, often referred to as the father of humanism.