This course will focus on Ariosto’s Furioso (1532), Tasso’s Liberata (1581-1584) and Tassoni’s Secchia rapita (1630), which we will read in light of the most up-to-date criticism and in the context of the main Renaissance theories on epic. Throughout the course, we will address the question of what constitutes the ‘heroic’ and ‘mock-heroic’ on the stylistic and anthropological level. The seminar style of the course will require the constant and informed participation of all. Students will give one or more presentations, write two short papers, and write a final exam.

Required texts: L. Ariosto, Orlando furioso; ed. Einaudi: 8806131621 9788806131623
or ed. UTET: ISBN: 8802074720 9788802074726
T. Tasso, Gerusalemme liberata. ed. Einaudi: ISBN: 8806175696 9788806175696

The Secchia rapita and all secondary readings will be available in a reader.