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Italian Culture Italian Literature

Ludovico Ariosto: The Frenzy of Orlando

Ludovico Ariosto (1474-1533) was an Italian poet and playwright, best known for his epic poem “Orlando Furioso” (The Frenzy of Orlando). He was born in Reggio Emilia, Italy, and studied law at the University of Ferrara. However, he abandoned his legal career to pursue literature.

Ariosto’s masterpiece, “Orlando Furioso,” is a romantic epic poem that tells the story of Charlemagne’s paladin Orlando and his unrequited love for Angelica, a pagan princess. The poem is full of adventure, romance, and magic, and is considered one of the greatest works of Italian literature. It also had a significant influence on the development of the chivalric romance genre.

Ariosto was a master of the Italian language and is known for his use of irony, humor, and satire in his works. He was also a prolific playwright and wrote several comedies that were popular during his lifetime. In addition to his literary works, he was also a diplomat and served as governor of various cities in Italy.

Ariosto’s legacy as a poet and playwright has endured for centuries, and he is considered one of the most important figures in Italian literature. His works have been translated into many languages, and his influence can be seen in the works of later Italian writers, such as Torquato Tasso and Giambattista Basile.

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