# Canto XXXII explained — Orlando Furioso

> Chapter companion for Orlando Furioso by Ludovico Ariosto.

## What happens

Bradamant, despairing over Rogero's delay, hears rumors that he is romantically involved with Marphisa. Consumed by jealousy and grief, she resolves to confront Marphisa and possibly die in battle. She dons a mourning surcoat and sets out, encountering Ullania and three kings along the way.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Chivalry

Bradamant's love for Rogero drives her to despair and thoughts of death, intertwining romantic devotion with knightly honor.

### Betrayal and Deception

Bradamant feels betrayed by Rogero's rumored infidelity and by the false hopes given by Merlin and Melissa.

### Gender and Power

Bradamant, a female knight, struggles with jealousy and agency, while Marphisa is depicted as a bold and independent warrior.

### Honor and Reputation

Rumors about Rogero and Marphisa spread through the camp, affecting Bradamant's sense of honor and driving her to seek vengeance.

## Character check-ins

### Bradamant

Consumed by jealousy and grief over rumors of Rogero and Marphisa; resolves to die or take vengeance.

### Rogero

Accused by Bradamant of betrayal; rumored to be betrothed to Marphisa.

### Marphisa

Rumored to be Rogero's lover; brings aid to Agramant and frees Brunello.

### Agramant

Retreats to Arles after defeat; holds council and seeks to rebuild his forces.

### Rodomont

Refuses Agramant's offer of a bride and remains at his bridge.

### Brunello

Freed by Marphisa but later executed by Agramant.

### Astolpho

His courser is taken by Bradamant for her journey.

### Melissa

Blamed by Bradamant for encouraging her love for Rogero with false prophecies.

## Key lines

> When Bradamant the Gascon’s story heard, That lady suffered such tormenting pain, Such cruel woe her inmost bosom stirred, From falling she preserved herself with pain.

Upon hearing the Gascon knight's tale, Bradamant was overwhelmed with anguish and barely managed to stay upright.

_Bradamant's reaction to the rumor of Rogero's infidelity._

> Resolved to die, ’twas so the damsel cried; And starting from her bed, by passion warmed, To her left breast her naked sword applied; Then recollected she was wholly armed.

Determined to kill herself, Bradamant leaped from her bed and drew her sword, but then remembered she was still wearing her armor.

_Bradamant's suicidal impulse is checked by the realization she is armed._

## Links

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