# Constancy and Fickleness in Orlando Furioso

> Theme guide for Orlando Furioso by Ludovico Ariosto.

The poem contrasts faithful lovers like Olympia with fickle characters like Bireno and Angelica, examining how loyalty and inconstancy affect relationships and lead to suffering or redemption.

## Where it surfaces

- [Canto X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-x): Olympia's unwavering faithfulness contrasts sharply with Bireno's fickle desire for a younger woman, highlighting the theme of constancy versus fickleness.
- [Canto XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-xviii): Medoro and Cloridan's unwavering loyalty to their fallen lord Dardinello contrasts with the fickle treatment Gryphon receives from Norandino.
- [Canto XXXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-xxxiv): Lydia's story exemplifies fickleness and ingratitude toward a constant lover, leading to her eternal punishment.
- [Canto XLIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-xliii): The host's initial faith in his wife is undermined by jealousy, and her constancy fails when tempted by avarice.
- [Canto XLIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-xliv): Bradamant's message of unwavering fidelity contrasts with the fickleness of courtly alliances and Aymon's changing plans.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/themes/constancy_and_fickleness
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/themes