Laura’s Agency: Castelvetro among Early Commentators on Petrarch’s Rerum vulgarium fragmenta

Abstract

This article explores Castelvetro’s view of Laura’s agency through a consideration of the way the relationship between Laura and the speaker is portrayed in his commentary on Petrarch’s Rerum vulgarium fragmenta. Comparing Castelvetro’s portrayal with those of several other early commentators, the article maintains that more than the other commentators, Castelvetro emphasizes Laura as a character with strong agency who regulates the relationship and highlights the mutuality of the relationship between Laura and speaker.