Canto XXI explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Betrayal and Deception

  Gabrina's false accusations and manipulation lead to the tragic downfall of Philander and Argaeus.

• Honor and Reputation

  Philander's concern for his honor and reputation drives his actions, even when faced with false accusations.

Characters to notice

• Philander

  The knight's brother, who is betrayed by Gabrina and accidentally kills his friend Argaeus.

• Gabrina

  The false and treacherous wife of Argaeus, who schemes against Philander.

• Argaeus

  The husband of Gabrina, who is deceived by her and later killed by Philander.

• Morando

  The fair enemy of Argaeus, mistaken by Philander in the dark.

Key passages

• “But it with reason grieves me this is done Upon account of a false woman's spite; Whose wicked cause I know not why you own, An office ill according with your might”

  It grieves me that I am defeated by you because of a false woman's malice, and I don't understand why you support her wicked cause.

  The knight expresses his frustration at being overthrown due to Gabrina's deceit.

• “She, more volatile than leaf, when breeze Of autumn most its natural moisture dries, And strips the fluttering foliage from the trees, Which, blown about, before its fury flies, Changes her humour, and her husband sees, Whom she some time had loved, with other eyes”

  Gabrina is as fickle as an autumn leaf, changing her feelings and seeing her husband with new, unloving eyes.

  Describes Gabrina's inconstancy and shift in affection.

• “Philander stood oppressed with grief and fear, When his mistake to him the woman showed, And to have slain her in his wrath went near, And long be doubted, so his choler glowed”

  Philander was overwhelmed with grief and fear when Gabrina revealed his mistake, and he nearly killed her in his anger.

  Philander's reaction upon discovering he killed Argaeus by mistake.