In the mid-1570s, Tasso began to suffer from what is now believed to be schizophrenia. Legends describe him wandering the streets of Rome half mad, convinced that he was being persecuted. Though he was never fully cured, he was able to function and resumed his writing.
In 1594, Pope Clement VIII called Tasso him to Rome so that he could be crowned poet laureate. Tasso died in 1595, before the honor could be officially conferred on him.
See also: Ludovico Ariosto, "Orlando furioso".
Search Encyclopedia
|
Featured Article
|