Marfisa and Gender Performance in theOrlando Furioso
Ita Mac Carthy
AbstractThis essay argues against the traditional perception of character Marfisa in Orlando furioso as a straightforward symbol women's agency and pro-woman gesture contemporary querelle des femmes. It looks first at success her performance masculinity romance epic then way this is undermined by Ariosto's comical reminder anatomical difference/lack. This characteristic narrative ambivalence, I argue, complicates apparent simplicity both Marfisa's portrayal poem's contribution to debate about women. In fact, through Marfisa, Furioso opens up comparatively un-nuanced discussion more complex reflections on female agency, gender typecasting, questions gendered identity. Through close reading seemingly discordant discourses underpinning character, elaborates richer understanding Furioso's configurations gender.
Italian Studies