# Canto XXXI explained — Orlando Furioso

> Chapter companion for Orlando Furioso by Ludovico Ariosto.

## What happens

Rinaldo and Dudon unite against Agramant's forces, scattering them. Brandimart fights Rodomont for Orlando's sake but is captured. Rinaldo contends with Gradasso for Bayardo. The chapter also reflects on jealousy and love's pains, and follows Rinaldo's return to Paris.

## Themes in this chapter

### War and Conflict

The battle between Rinaldo's forces and Agramant's host, and the duel between Brandimart and Rodomont.

### Honor and Reputation

Rinaldo's determination to wipe away shame and the knights' concern for their reputations in combat.

### Love and Chivalry

Flordelice's plea for Brandimart's life and the discourse on jealousy and love's pains.

## Character check-ins

### Rinaldo

Leads the charge against Agramant's host, contends with Gradasso for Bayardo, and returns to Paris.

### Dudon

Fights alongside Rinaldo against the Saracens.

### Brandimart

Wages war for Roland's sake against Rodomont and is captured after a river struggle.

### Rodomont

Defeats Brandimart in combat and takes him prisoner, but is moved by Flordelice's plea.

### Gradasso

Contends with Rinaldo for Bayardo; their fight is deferred.

### Agramant

Flees to Arles after his forces are routed by Rinaldo.

## Key lines

> What sweeter, gladder, state could be possest Than falls to the enamoured bosom’s share?

No state is sweeter than that of a lover's heart.

_Reflects on the joys of love._

> This is that cruel and envenomed wound Where neither salve nor portion soothes the smart;

Jealousy is a poisoned wound that no remedy can heal.

_Describes the destructive power of jealousy._

> Moved by her words, he lent her lover aid, So by his courser in the stream immersed;

Rodomont, swayed by Flordelice's plea, rescues Brandimart from the river.

_Shows Rodomont's momentary compassion._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-xxxi
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/orlando_furioso_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters