Employed as a courtesan in 14th century Italy, the poet’s work inarguably remains controversial to some who would doubt the competency and capability of a woman of her status to produce such moving, forward-thinking literature. Often, the public expects the morals of individuals who produce quality art to match their creative endeavors; for good people to make good art. It’s a subconscious assumption and one primarily constructed from outside appearances and image. Therefore, by those standards, a woman employed as a courtesan is not expected to be as literate and well-versed in the art of crafting poetry as Veronica Franco presented through her works. Combined with the progressive, inspiring aspects of Franco’s own characteristics, the greatness of “A Challenge to a Lover Who Has Offended Her” shines based on its own merits. Brimming with passionate metaphorical imagery and rousing, expressive complexity, the poem demands multiple readings and provides a significant margin for interpretation, while possessing an atmosphere that is neither overly abstract or
Employed as a courtesan in 14th century Italy, the poet’s work inarguably remains controversial to some who would doubt the competency and capability of a woman of her status to produce such moving, forward-thinking literature. Often, the public expects the morals of individuals who produce quality art to match their creative endeavors; for good people to make good art. It’s a subconscious assumption and one primarily constructed from outside appearances and image. Therefore, by those standards, a woman employed as a courtesan is not expected to be as literate and well-versed in the art of crafting poetry as Veronica Franco presented through her works. Combined with the progressive, inspiring aspects of Franco’s own characteristics, the greatness of “A Challenge to a Lover Who Has Offended Her” shines based on its own merits. Brimming with passionate metaphorical imagery and rousing, expressive complexity, the poem demands multiple readings and provides a significant margin for interpretation, while possessing an atmosphere that is neither overly abstract or