Saracens and their World in Boiardo and Ariosto by Maria Pavlova
Francesco Lucioli
Reviewed by: Saracens and their World in Boiardo Ariosto by Maria Pavlova Francesco Lucioli Ariosto. By Pavlova. (Italian Perspectives, 47) Cambridge: Legenda. 2020. xiv+282 pp. £75. ISBN 978–1–781883–47–1. In the Inamoramento de Orlando Matteo Furioso Ludovico Ariosto, Otherness is mainly represented Saracens. However, as explains Introduction to her book (pp. 1–15), scholars have usually highlighted an opposition between Boiardo's admired representation of Saracen world its negative portrayal Ariosto's poem, interpreted these different approaches light historical, political, religious transformations that took place Italy fifteenth sixteenth centuries. aims challenge this reading reconsidering close relationship Islamic through original postcolonial perspective, two poems context literary tradition which they belong. The first chapter 17–65) offers in-depth analysis how Saracens' religion culture were perceived chivalric literature early modern Italian society. Through a Orlandos alongside French texts international relationships Ferrara Turks, it clear portrayals faith—as false but not evil cult—and appreciation culture, particularly values, are perfectly line with both previous contemporary political interest East. core then divided into sections, chapters dedicated 66–126) 127–215). Both preceded overview numerous characters included (also listed useful appendixes at end book, 225–46). section highlight intertextual nature (many most important his work come either from Spagna or Aspramonte), even though 'the debt owes Carolingian limited borrowed names. He also appropriates themes, situations stock characters, doing so, he often gives them meaning, subverting traditional stereotypes' (p. 89). introduces new (such Agricane, Sacripante, Angelica) destined embody main topics poem—as well poem—such love, honour, cortesia, vitality, desire for glory, challenges works reshape dynastic protagonist Ruggiero, whom attributes ancient ancestors: Hector Troy, related Christian father, Alexander Great, [End Page 260] connected mother, explained Aspramonte. furioso begins differences Paganìa (the latter wider, demonstrated inclusion Sweden Norway within world). Besides, characters—and ones, such Fiammetta Isabella—Ariosto problematizes topic was generally presented positive experience Orlando. changes some Saracens, Marsilio Dardinello, probably following respect other (e.g. Andrea da Barberino's Aspramonte). These insights introduce case study, namely final duel Ruggiero Rodomonte. sixteenth- seventeenth-century duels, recognizes Rodomonte moral winner confrontation because remains loyal unlike who, on contrary, betrays faith lord. This exemplifies fact 'at ending lies theme betrayal', again 'one central themes Aspramonte, crucial text Ariosto...
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