Vol. 19 No. 2 (2016)
Essays

The simile in Pulci’s Morgante

Published 2016-12-22

Keywords

  • Pulci,
  • Morgante,
  • Simile,
  • Metaphor.

Abstract

This study examines the form and function of simile in Luigi Pulci’s Morgante. Particular attention is given to the Pulcian tendency to establish logical relations – which are not immediately recognizable – between the two elements of comparison and of the transformation of simile into metaphor. In contrast with Renaissance poetry and Ariosto’s extensive and well-structured similes, Pulcian similitude in certain ways anticipates Baroque ingenuity.