Liber ex machina. Lettori-paladini nell’Inamoramento de Orlando

This article aims to reconstruct the ways in which the act of reading is depicted in Inamoramento del Orlando. It highlights and comments on some passages in Boiardo’s epic poem in which reading plays a key role in driving forward the narration. Reading scenes and spellbooks emerge in various cantos, each assuming the true role of deus ex machina for the plot development. This is especially apparent in the magic scenes in which the Count of Scandiano gives reading a central role, thereby enabling the two most important characters, Orlando and Ranaldo, to face and understand the rules governing the supernatural worlds. The depictions of reading have a strong meta-reflective function as well. In their process of learning to read, Orlando and Ranaldo each portray a different type of reader and offer an opportunity to reflect upon the various ways of approaching the epic poem. Lastly, the portrayal of the two paladins as readers helps to offer a clearer picture of the role of reading as well as the complementary nature of the two characters within Boiardo’s world.