The aim of this article is to examine the role of collective memory as a political tool in literary visions of war, as presented in the Renaissance poem Orlando furioso by Ludovico Ariosto. According to the author, the poet employs elements of European memory and collective identity, such as the ideal of chivalry, the battles of Charlemagne’s wars, or the Greek heroes, to create a memory of the worryingly cruel and bloody Italian wars of his time. Particularly interesting is the poet's depiction of artillery and firearms, which contributed to the brutality of these wars. In this way, the poet creates a memory of the modern by associating it with the already remembered past and old literature.
You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.
