Orlando Furioso - Canto 1 summary and commentary

Summary

This video explores the first canto of *Orlando Furioso* by Ludovico Ariosto, delving into the poem's goals, literary origins, and language choices. The speaker compares Ariosto's work to Dante's *Divine Comedy*, highlighting the lighter, more entertaining nature of Ariosto's epic. Influenced by the Carolingian and Arthurian cycles, Ariosto uses intricate plot interlacing, as seen in the dynamic actions of characters like Orlando, Rinaldo, and Angelica. The analysis also touches on the poem's meter, its humorous and ironic tone, and how Ariosto combines chivalric ideals with comedy, making it a captivating and multifaceted work.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ariosto's *Orlando Furioso* is an epic poem that prioritizes entertainment and joy, as opposed to the deep human crises explored in Dante's *Divine Comedy*.
• 😀 The poem is influenced by three major literary traditions: the Carolingian cycle, the Arthurian cycle, and classical literature.
• 😀 *Orlando Furioso* is written in Ottava Rima, a meter known for its fluidity and ability to convey dynamic action, made popular by Boccaccio.
• 😀 Ariosto's poem breathes new life into pre-existing legendary figures, including Roland (Orlando), making them the central characters of his own adventurous narrative.
• 😀 Ariosto’s choice to start *Orlando Furioso* with a playful and joyful tone contrasts sharply with the somber beginning of Dante's *Divine Comedy*.
• 😀 Ariosto’s humor and ironic treatment of knights and chivalry add a layer of satire while still showing genuine admiration for these ideals.
• 😀 The *Ottava Rima* is composed of eight 11-syllable lines with a specific rhyme scheme (ABABABCC), giving the poem a rhythmic and energetic flow.
• 😀 Canto 1 features a complex narrative structure with intertwined subplots, such as Rinaldo’s various appearances and disappearances, creating a sense of ongoing movement.
• 😀 The poem explores the rivalry between Orlando and Rinaldo over Angelica, introducing comedic elements such as their misguided love and foolish distractions.
• 😀 *Orlando Furioso* features a broad array of colorful characters, from the noble knights to more comedic and pathetic figures like Sacrifante, highlighting Ariosto’s playful narrative style.

Q & A

What is the primary aim of Ariosto's *Orlando Furioso*?

The primary aim of Ariosto's *Orlando Furioso* is to entertain and delight its audience, as stated by Barbara Reynolds in her introduction. Ariosto's poem is meant to be a joyful and enjoyable experience, contrasting with the more serious tone of works like Dante's *Divine Comedy*.

How does Ariosto's *Orlando Furioso* differ from Dante's *Divine Comedy* in terms of thematic focus?

Ariosto's *Orlando Furioso* focuses on lighthearted themes such as chivalric adventure, love, and knightly deeds, whereas Dante's *Divine Comedy* begins with a deep human crisis and explores profound spiritual and existential questions. The tone of Ariosto's poem is much more playful and less focused on human suffering.

What are the key literary influences on Ariosto's *Orlando Furioso*?

Ariosto's *Orlando Furioso* is influenced by three main sources: the Carolingian cycle, the Celtic or Arthurian cycle, and the classical works of antiquity. These influences contribute to the rich mix of legend, history, and fantasy in his poem.

How did Ariosto's use of meter contribute to the style of *Orlando Furioso*?

Ariosto used the *ottava rima* meter, consisting of eight 11-syllable lines with alternating rhymes and a final rhyming couplet. This meter, popular in Italian epic poetry, gives the poem a rhythmic, energetic quality that suits the adventurous tone of the work.

What role does the character of Roland (Orlando) play in *Orlando Furioso*?

Roland (Orlando) is a central figure in *Orlando Furioso*, but Ariosto breathes new life into the character, who had already existed in both historical and legendary forms. Roland’s previous appearances in works like *Orlando Innamorato* and *The Divine Comedy* are acknowledged, and Ariosto’s version of the character is embedded in a new, dynamic adventure.

What technique does Ariosto use in *Orlando Furioso* to interweave multiple storylines?

Ariosto uses a technique called *intrelasamento* (interlacing), where different narrative threads are woven together, often with characters entering and exiting scenes rapidly. This technique is likened to the game of Tetris, creating a fast-paced and constantly shifting story structure.

How does the poem’s structure enhance the reader’s engagement with the plot?

The poem’s structure, with its shifting scenes and frequent changes in perspective, keeps the reader engaged by offering constant surprises and action. Characters such as Rinaldo enter and exit the stage multiple times, creating a sense of unpredictability and movement.

How does the character of Angelica affect the other knights in the poem?

Angelica is the object of desire for several knights, including Orlando and Rinaldo. Her beauty causes them to fall in love with her, leading to conflict and rivalry between them. This rivalry and the distraction caused by their love for her propel much of the action and comedic elements of the story.

What is the significance of the character Sacripante in *Orlando Furioso*?

Sacripante is a knight who also falls in love with Angelica, but his pursuit is marked by a series of comical misadventures. His interaction with Angelica and his eventual defeat by a mysterious knight highlight Ariosto’s use of irony and humor, as Sacripante's pride is repeatedly humbled.

What role does the horse Bayardo play in the first canto of *Orlando Furioso*?

Bayardo is Rinaldo's horse, and it plays a key role in the action. In one scene, Rinaldo chases after Bayardo, who is galloping ahead on its own. This chase adds to the chaotic and dynamic nature of the story, exemplifying the constant motion and shifting subplots that define the poem.