A Challenge To A Lover Who Has Occupied Her Analysis

Erotic, emotionally raw, and enticingly lyrical, “A Challenge to a Lover Who Has Offended Her” examines the violent rage and scathing pain one experiences in the absence of a lover and the aftermath of an ended relationship. The conclusion of an intimate affiliation, particularly one filled with romance and affection, is often accompanied with a nearly indescribable amount of grief, regret, shame, and fury. Numerous memories are repeated in one’s memory, with the scenes studied with an intensely focus and determination to find fault with the former partner, or within oneself. Logic is replaced with emotion, and levelheadedness is exchanged for questioning. Very rarely are break-ups a neat affair. Veronica Franco’s poem captures this sentiment in perfect form. …show more content…
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