# Honor and Reputation in Orlando Furioso

> Theme guide for Orlando Furioso by Ludovico Ariosto.

Knights are driven by the need to defend their honor through combat and public recognition, with shame and disgrace often motivating revenge or self-destruction, as seen in Ariodantes' attempted suicide over perceived dishonor.

## Where it surfaces

- [Canto I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-i): Ferraù's shame at being called a perjured traitor drives him to swear a new vow.
- [Canto V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-v): Geneura's honor is at stake as she is falsely accused; the canto explores how reputation can be ruined by slander and restored through combat and truth.
- [Canto IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-ix): Orlando refuses to smite sleeping foes, deeming it base, and later gives his solemn word to help Olympia, highlighting the importance of honor.
- [Canto XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-xiv): Mandricardo's envy of Orlando's martial feats drives his quest, highlighting the importance of glory and renown among knights.
- [Canto XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-xvii): Gryphon's honor is shattered by false accusations; the tournament serves as a public stage for shame and mockery.
- [Canto XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-xviii): Gryphon's vengeance is driven by the stain on his honor, while Medoro seeks to honor his master with a proper burial.
- [Canto XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-xxi): Philander's concern for his honor and reputation drives his actions, even when faced with false accusations.
- [Canto XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-xxii): The knights from the castle are shamed by being forced to fight together against one; they insist on single combat to preserve their honor.
- [Canto XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-xxiv): Zerbino's defense of Durindana and his refusal to yield the sword without a fight underscores the chivalric code of honor.
- [Canto XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-xxv): Rogero fears shame if he abandons his king, and writes to Bradamant to justify his actions to preserve his honor.
- [Canto XXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-xxvi): Rogero's pursuit of Frontino is driven by honor and the need to avenge the theft; Rodomont's refusal to fight is motivated by his duty to his king.
- [Canto XXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-xxvii): Sacripant and Rodomont quarrel over the horse Frontino, each asserting their right and honor.
- [Canto XXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-xxviii): The characters' actions are driven by concerns about honor and reputation, particularly in matters of marital fidelity.
- [Canto XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-xxix): Isabella's sacrifice to preserve her chastity and her vow to Zerbino exemplifies the theme of honor, while Rodomont's later actions seek to restore his reputation through a monument.
- [Canto XXX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-xxx): Mandricardo's insistence on the duel over the eagle emblem and Rogero's desire to prove his right to bear it reflect the importance of honor and reputation.
- [Canto XXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-xxxi): Rinaldo's determination to wipe away shame and the knights' concern for their reputations in combat.
- [Canto XXXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-xxxii): Rumors about Rogero and Marphisa spread through the camp, affecting Bradamant's sense of honor and driving her to seek vengeance.
- [Canto XXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-xxxiii): Knights are shamed by being unhorsed by a woman, leading them to swear off arms for a year to restore their honor.
- [Canto XXXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-xxxv): Bradamant's challenge to Rodomont and her demand for the release of prisoners are driven by a code of honor and the pursuit of glory.
- [Canto XXXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-xxxvi): The combat between Bradamant and Marphisa is driven by perceived slights and the defense of personal honor.
- [Canto XXXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-xxxvii): Marphisa and Ulania seek to restore honor after Marganor's insult; Drusilla avenges her husband's murder.
- [Canto XXXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-xxxviii): Rogero's duty to his liege lord and the importance of honor over personal desire are emphasized.
- [Canto XL](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-xl): Rogero struggles with his oath to Rinaldo versus his duty to Agramant, fearing accusations of baseness or fear.
- [Canto XLI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-xli): Rogero's courtesy in sparing Dudon and Agramant's refusal to act unworthy of a king highlight the importance of honor.
- [Canto XLII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-xlii): Orlando's vengeance for Brandimart and the cup's test of a wife's faithfulness underscore concerns with honor.
- [Canto XLIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-xliv): Rogero's lament over his lack of wealth and status, and Bradamant's bold petition to choose her own husband, both center on personal honor and reputation.
- [Canto XLV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-xlv): Rogero's internal conflict between his love for Bradamant and his sworn promise to Leo drives the chapter, highlighting the primacy of honor over personal happiness.
- [Canto XLVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-xlvi): Both Rogero and Leo act to preserve honor, with Leo refusing to win Bradamant through Rogero's death.
- [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/endnotes): Covers chivalric vows, the contrast between Rinaldo's rapacity and Orlando's disinterestedness, and the formal plighting of troth.

## Links

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