Essay Exam #2:
Choose one (1) of the following questions and write an essay (4-5pp., 12 Times
New Roman, MLA citation) on the theme suggested by the question. Choose three
(3) examples from the primary text, Orlando furioso, to sustain your argument and
one (1) example from the critical essays we have looked at in Module 2 ( Zatti,
Masi, Weaver) to contextualize your argument. We have concentrated on canti
XIX, XX, XXII, XXIII, in class but you may use examples from the other canti
between XIX- XXIII.
1.The Renaissance saw a paradigm shift occur from the medieval structure of
divine entity as center of power to the human as center of universal power
structure. Discuss how or whether Ariosto enters into conversation with this
paradigm shift, how does he position the human within the structure of universal
power? How does he conceive of power and power structures? Describe how he
structures power and human relation to it.
2.The theme and concept of love features largely in Ariosto’s Orlando furioso.
Philosophies such as Neo-Platonism and the changing role of women also circled
upon and affected the concept of love. Describe how Ariosto features love in his
poem, what are its characteristics, and which characters does it affect.
3.Ariosto wrote within the circle and atmosphere of the d’Este court. The theme
and the composition of the Orlando reflects the concerns with court life and its
vicissitudes (diplomatic relations, benefactor-artist relations) as lived by Ariosto.
Discuss what impact the historical moment of Ariosto’s court life had upon the
Orlando furioso, what themes or structural decisions seem to reflect courtly
concerns and why.