We have already said that Ariosto was a man of good sense. From the quiet of his own home he looked out upon the ruffled sea of life and mused on what he saw. His reflections are contained in his satires; but they likewise add a peculiar and original charm to the Orlando Furioso. Among the parts most popular with the serious reader are the short introductions to the various cantos, each containing some wise reflection, some rule of life, or some kindly satire; this charm is well known to the genuine lover of Thackeray.
SUMMARY AND QUESTIONS FOR REVIEW
Progress of the revival of learning—Florence the center of the movement—Poggio Bracciolini; Pico della Mirandola; Politian; their services to scholarship—The chivalrous romance in Italy—Boiardo's influence—Ariosto (1474-1533); Comedies and Satires—His Orlando Furioso reflects the age.
1. Trace the development of the Renaissance from Petrarch to Politian.
2. Name some of the more important writers of this period.
3. Who was Lorenzo the Magnificent?
4. Who was the first to introduce chivalrous romances into Italian literature?
5. Who was Boiardo? What were his services to Italian literature?
6. Give a sketch of Ariosto's life.
7. Describe his character.