The writings of Dante Alighieri, Francesco Petrarch, and Giovanni Boccaccio tell us a lot about the values and ideas of late medieval Italy. These authors are very important to Italian literature and often focus on several key themes. Let's break them down:

1. Love and Desire:

   • Dante: In his work "La Vita Nuova," he talks deeply about his ideal love for Beatrice. This love helps him grow spiritually.
   • Petrarch: His collection of poems, called "Canzoniere," shows his longing for Laura. His feelings often come across as sad and out of reach.
   • Boccaccio: His book "The Decameron" is filled with stories about love that are more realistic and sometimes funny. He explores the ups and downs of romance.

2. The Human Condition:

   • Dante's Divine Comedy: This story looks at our choices, mistakes, and the journey of the soul. It focuses on finding true love with the divine.
   • Petrarch's Humanism: Petrarch highlights personal experiences and feelings, marking the start of Renaissance humanism, where individual importance is key.
   • Boccaccio's Pragmatism: He delves into human nature, showing different sides of moral and ethical issues in his stories.

3. Social Critique:

   • Dante: In "Inferno," he criticizes the politics and morals of his time by creating a detailed view of the afterlife.
   • Petrarch: He points out society's flaws and stresses the need for personal integrity and knowing our history.
   • Boccaccio: His stories often reflect on class and gender, highlighting the silly aspects of societal rules.

4. Death and Mortality:

   • Dante: His journey through Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven deals with the idea of death in a powerful way.
   • Petrarch: His writings include thoughts on death, especially connected to love and loss.
   • Boccaccio: In "The Decameron," the backdrop of the Black Death shows how fragile human life can be.

These themes create a rich mix in Italian literature. They connect personal feelings, social issues, and big questions about existence, setting the stage for future literary movements.