Orlando Furioso, or Orlando Frenzy: A Literary Masterpiece of the Renaissance

Orlando Furioso: or Orlando’s Frenzy

by S R Brudlo

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	270279 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	2237 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	88 pages
Item Weight	:	4.7 ounces
Dimensions	:	6 x 0.2 x 9 inches

FREE

Orlando Furioso, also known as Orlando Frenzy, is an epic poem written by the Italian poet Ludovico Ariosto. First published in 1516, the poem is a sequel to Matteo Maria Boiardo's Orlando Innamorato and tells the intertwining stories of knights, damsels, and their quests for love, honor, and glory. Set against the backdrop of the Italian Renaissance, the poem is renowned for its vivid characters, thrilling adventures, and beautiful language.

Plot Summary

The poem begins with the siege of Paris by the Saracens. Among the Christian knights defending the city is Orlando, one of Charlemagne's twelve paladins. Orlando is a brave and skilled warrior, but he is also deeply in love with the beautiful Angelica, daughter of Galafron, the king of Cathay. Angelica, however, does not return Orlando's affections, and she flees Paris with the mysterious Medoro. Orlando is driven mad with grief and jealousy, and he goes on a rampage, destroying everything in his path.

Meanwhile, other knights and damsels are also pursuing their own quests. Bradamante, a female knight, is searching for her lost love, Ruggiero. Ruggiero, a Saracen knight, is torn between his love for Bradamante and his loyalty to his people. Astolfo, another of Charlemagne's paladins, is on a quest to find the magical Hippogriff, a winged horse that can carry him to the moon.

The poem is full of twists and turns, as the knights and damsels battle each other, fall in love, and find themselves in strange and dangerous situations. In the end, however, good triumphs over evil, and love conquers all.

Characters

Orlando Furioso features a large cast of characters, including knights, damsels, wizards, and monsters. Some of the most notable characters include:

• Orlando: A brave and skilled knight, but he is also deeply in love with Angelica, who does not return his affections. When she flees Paris with Medoro, Orlando is driven mad with grief and jealousy.
• Angelica: The beautiful daughter of Galafron, the king of Cathay. Angelica is pursued by many knights, but she does not love any of them. She eventually falls in love with Medoro, a young Saracen warrior.
• Medoro: A young Saracen warrior who falls in love with Angelica. Medoro is a skilled archer and a brave fighter. He helps Angelica to escape from Paris and eventually marries her.
• Bradamante: A female knight who is searching for her lost love, Ruggiero. Bradamante is a skilled warrior and a powerful sorceress. She eventually finds Ruggiero and marries him.
• Ruggiero: A Saracen knight who is torn between his love for Bradamante and his loyalty to his people. Ruggiero is a skilled warrior and a powerful sorcerer. He eventually renounces his allegiance to Saracen and marries Bradamante.
• Astolfo: Another of Charlemagne's paladins, Astolfo is on a quest to find the magical Hippogriff, a winged horse that can carry him to the moon. Astolfo is a skilled warrior and a cunning strategist. He eventually finds the Hippogriff and uses it to travel to the moon, where he finds the lost love of his life.

Themes

Orlando Furioso explores a variety of themes, including love, honor, glory, and madness.

• Love: Love is a powerful force that can drive people to great heights and to great lows. Orlando's love for Angelica is so strong that it drives him mad when she does not return his affections.
• Honor: Honor is important to the knights of Orlando Furioso. They are willing to fight and die to defend their honor and the honor of their families and their country.
• Glory: Glory is another important theme in the poem. The knights of Orlando Furioso are eager to win glory in battle and to have their names remembered for all time.
• Madness: Madness is a recurring theme in the poem. Orlando's madness is caused by his unrequited love for Angelica. Other characters in the poem also experience madness, caused by love, grief, or other traumas.

Style

Orlando Furioso is written in ottava rima, a stanza form consisting of eight lines of iambic pentameter. Ariosto's use of ottava rima is masterful, and he creates a beautiful and flowing rhythm that is perfect for the telling of a tale of adventure and romance.

The poem is also full of vivid imagery and similes. Ariosto has a gift for bringing his characters and settings to life, and his descriptions are often breathtaking.

Legacy

Orlando Furioso was a huge success when it was first published, and it has remained popular for centuries. The poem has been translated into many languages, and it has been adapted into operas, ballets, and other works of art.

Orlando Furioso is considered one of the masterpieces of Italian literature, and it is still read and enjoyed by people all over the world. The poem is a testament to Ariosto's genius and his ability to tell a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Orlando Furioso is a classic work of literature that has stood the test of time. The poem is a thrilling adventure story, a beautiful love story, and a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition. If you have never read Orlando Furioso, I encourage you to give it a try. You will not be disappointed.

Orlando Furioso: or Orlando’s Frenzy

by S R Brudlo

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	270279 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	2237 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	88 pages
Item Weight	:	4.7 ounces
Dimensions	:	6 x 0.2 x 9 inches

FREE