Ruggiero and Leone: Revision and Resolution in Ariosto's Orlando Furioso
David Marsh
Of the revisions made in third and final edition of Orlando Furioso (1532), episode Ruggiero Leone is Ariosto's lengthiest addition (XLIV, 12-XLVI, 78). Its apparent purpose to prepare reader for scene wedding Bradamante, by delaying end poem, it should heighten sense resolution at very end. Yet many critics have criticized as monotonous obtrusive, felt that poet's powers were waning.' I believe Ruggiero-Leone serves three important functions concluding poem. First, recalls recapitulates initial encounter Rugiero Bradamante Boiardo's Innamorato (III, iv-v), thereby reinforcing Ariosto completing Second, supplies a demonstration cortesia figure which qualifies him hand Bradamante. Third, conflict Trojan descendants Byzantine Greeks, represented Leone, connects poem with classical epic an ethical, Homeric level historical, Virgilian level. I. In meet book incompleteness Innamorato, breaks off soon thereafter, more abrupt because fails narrate their marriage establishment Este line. his first Furioso, drew upon this description canopy (XLVI, 81-97), lineage unfolds (II, v, 18-31). edition, further features Boiardo. Boiardo, initially impressed prowess unknown knight (Bradamante) whom he observes from hilltop (OI, III, iv, 51-52). Ariosto, Greek prince similarly
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