Orlando Furioso, Canto 5 summary
Canto 5 of 46 · 24 min to read the canto
In Canto 5, Dalinda tells Rinaldo how Polinesso uses her resemblance to Ginevra to deceive Ariodante and bring a false accusation against the princess. Rinaldo stops the combat over Ginevra’s innocence, mortally wounds Polinesso, and secures his confession, freeing her from death and disgrace.
What happens
- Dalinda describes her love for Polinesso, his rejected pursuit of Ginevra, and his request that she dress like the princess.
- Polinesso stages a balcony meeting with Dalinda, convincing Ariodante and Lurcanio that Ginevra receives a lover.
- After a traveler reports Ariodante’s suicide, Lurcanio accuses Ginevra, whose life depends on a champion defeating him.
- Dalinda explains that Polinesso sends men to murder her, but Rinaldo saves her and learns the truth.
- Rinaldo reaches Saint Andrew, stops Lurcanio’s fight with an unknown defender, and publicly exposes Polinesso.
- Rinaldo mortally wounds Polinesso, who confesses; Ginevra is cleared, and her unknown defender removes his helmet.
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In this canto
What to notice
Rinaldo distinguishes Lurcanio’s honest belief from the truth. The accusation rests on manipulated appearances rather than deliberate dishonesty by the accuser.
Quick check
Why do the brothers mistake Dalinda for Ginevra?
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