Plot
The main portion of the piece is told in the point of view of the main character, Florante. He narrates his experiences and hardships to a Muslim, Aladdin.
It is important to note that the story is based on the author's own life. He was imprisoned unfairly and his sweetheart was married to his 'rival' of sorts. He wrote the story in his jail cell.
The story begins deep within a dark, gloomy forest. Florante, of the Kingdom of Albania is tied to an acacia tree, lamenting the loss of his father, Duke Briseus . He is driven mad by the thought that his beloved Laura has fallen into the arms of his archenemy, Count Adolf.
Nearby, a Muslim soldier, strolling through the forest, overhears Florante’s plaintive cries. The Muslim is moved by the stranger’s words.
All of a sudden, two famished lions attack the helpless Florante. He is saved, just in time, by the Muslim. Weak and bewildered, Florante faints.
The merciful soldier nurses Florante to health. Upon recovery, Florante is initially taken aback by the Muslim. He is confused to be in the care of an enemy (Christians and Muslims are usually depicted as enemies). After a few explanations are made, however, Florante is grateful and begins to tell his story.
The son of a princess and a royal adviser, Florante grew up in happiness, showered with love. At the early age of 11, his parents sent him to Athens, Greece to study under Antenor, a renowned teacher. There, he met Adolf, of his own homeland, the brightest student in their school. After 6 years of study, Florante surpassed Adolf's capabilities, talents and intelligence, gaining popularity and recognition. Adolf took this very personally.
While acting during a school play, Adolf attempted to kill Florante. Fortunately, Florante’s friend, Menander, was quick enough to intervene. Plan foiled, Adolf headed home to Albania. One year later, Florante received a letter from his father, announcing the death of his mother.
Though filled with grief, Florante waited two months before he could return home. Menander, unwilling to separate from him, accompanied him on his journey. Upon his arrival to Albania, an emissary of the kingdom of Croton requested his assistance in the incoming war against the Persians. Florante had not the will to refuse, for the king of Croton was his grandfather.
During his stay in Albania, Florante was invited to the king's palace. There, he is stunned by the sight of Laura, the daughter of King Linceus, King of Albania.
Coming to the aid of Croton, Florante fought with the Persian general, Osmalik for 5 hours, finally slaying him in the end. He stayed in Croton for 5 months before returning to Albania, to see Laura. He was surprised by the sight of a Persian flag waving atop his kingdom. He recaptured the palace and saved Duke Briseus, Adolf, Laura, and King Linceus. He was declared “Defender of Albania” for his bravery, deepening Adolf’s envy and hatred.
Florante protected his kingdom, once more, from the Turkish forces, under general Miramolin, an acclaimed conqueror. This took place in Aetolia, where he later received a letter from his father. The letter summoned him back to Albania. Leaving his troops in the care of his friend, Menander, Florante returned home. Once there, he was ambushed by 30,000 soldiers and, under Adolf’s orders, imprisoned for 18 days. There, he learned of the tragic fate of his father and his king. Under Adolf’s hands, they were beheaded. Florante was then exiled into the forest and tied to an acacia tree.
Florante details his relationship with Laura, his true love. Adolf was jealous of him, wished to claim the throne, and arranged for him to be killed. After months of wandering in the forest, the Persian, Aladdin shares that he is also in a similar circumstance.
Sultan Ali-Adab accused his own son, Aladdin, of leaving his troops and allowing his conquered enemy to be recaptured. He arranged for his son to be beheaded. Flerida, very much in love with Aladdin begged the Sultan not to kill, but merely exile his son. In return, Flerida agreed to marry the Sultan, who was very taken with her.
Aladdin’s speech is interrupted when they hear voices. A woman narrates her escape from a kingdom and a marriage. She speaks of her search for her beloved, a search which lasted 6 years. She shares that while deep in the forest, she heard cries for help. Finding a lady harassed by a man, trying to rape her, she uses her bow and arrow to kill him. The woman introduces herself as Flerida.
The lady saved by Flerida, revealed to be Laura, begins to tell her story. While her love was away at war, Count Adolf gained the popularity of the people, having lied to them and turned them against the king. Count Adolf then rose to the throne, forcing Laura to be his queen.An army under Menander, Florante's childhood friend, was able to overthrow Adolf from power. Adolf, seeing all was lost, fled into the woods, taking Laura as hostage.
After hearing all this, Florante and Aladdin reunite with their loved ones. Florante and Laura returned to Albania, and became king and queen. Aladdin and Flerida returned to Persia, where Aladdin became the new sultan, his father dead. The two kingdoms lived in harmony and peace.
