Artistry In Seth Lerer's Sir Orfeo

“Sir Orfeo” is a mystifying poem which has caused many scholars to ponder its rich lore and elusive complications. One of these scholars, Seth Lerer, decided to take an untraditional route in order to solve the mystery of this magical and perplexing piece. Lerer argues that the poem makes a clear distinction between artistry and artifice, which is manifest in Orfeo’s kingdom and the fairy domain, respectively. He believes that the artifice of the fairyworld presents a guise which inspires artificial wonder. Orfeo’s artistry, however, is not superficial and can do more than cause trivial elation. Indeed, Orfeo can “move the spirit” and as an artist, can “bring about the order [of nature] inherent in Creation”, suggesting that artistry has a metaphysical superiority and authority over artifice (Lerer 93). Lerer further suggests that the poem purposely contrasts artificial structures, which give a false sense of security, with artistry that can offer this protection through the harmonization of human forces and nature. Via this contrast, the poem supposedly argues for the importance of artistry, music, and poetry in life and civilization. This message was purposely added to the poem, particularly the Auchinleck version, so …show more content…
Whereas Orfeo’s orchard is a result of artistry which dominates man and nature, the castle in the fairyworld uses artifice to project a semblance of such control. This artifice is implicit in the enameled works of the fairy castle, which according to many literary sources such as Dante’s Inferno, are ostentatious crafts that are purposely made to deceive and conceal evil. Therefore, the fairy kingdom may look like Paradise, but in reality, it closely resembles Hell. Not only is the architecture of the castle extravagantly deceptive, but so are the king and queen, who’s clothes are so bright and magnificent that they blind the viewer to their