Orlando Furioso · Chapter
Canto XXXI explained
Rinaldo and Dudon unite against Agramant's forces, scattering them.
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.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Falling action.
- Setup
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This is the story's dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak where Astolpho, usin…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes 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.
Characters to notice
- 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 passages
“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.
