He Asks Counsel of Love, Whether he should Follo

Name: He Asks Counsel of Love, Whether he should Follow Laura, or Still Endure Existence (Che Debb' Io Far? Che MI Consigli, Amore? )
Author: Francesco Petrarca

The poem "Che Debb' Io Far? Che MI Consigli, Amore?" by Francesco Petrarca is a sonnet that explores the speaker's conflicting emotions towards his love for Laura. The first eight lines (the octave) describe the speaker's struggle to decide whether he should pursue his love or give up on it altogether. In the final six lines (the sestet), the speaker asks Cupid, the god of love, for guidance in making this decision. Ultimately, the poem leaves the reader with a sense of uncertainty about what course of action the speaker will take.

By Francesco Petrarca · First published 1342 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Elegy · 900 words

First lines

What should I do? what, Love, dost thou advise? Full time it is to die: And longer than I wish have I delay'd.

My mistress is no more, and with her gone my heart; To follow her, I must need Break short the course of my afflictive years: To view her here below I ne'er can hope; and irksome 'tis to wait.

What this Textopian page supports

He Asks Counsel of Love, Whether he should Follow Laura, or Still Endure Existence (Che Debb' Io Far? Che MI Consigli, Amore? ) is listed on Textopian as a poem by Francesco Petrarca, dated 1342 CE.

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Work type: Poem
Author: Francesco Petrarca
Date: 1342 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Romance, Elegy, Philosophical, Classical Literature
Length: 900 words
Structure: 1 section, 13 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Poetry — The work is written in verse and employs poetic devices such as meter, rhyme, and imagery.
Romance — The central theme revolves around the speaker's love for Laura and the emotional turmoil caused by her absence.
Elegy — The poem laments the loss of the beloved Laura and expresses deep sorrow and mourning.
Philosophical — The work explores existential questions about life, death, and the nature of love.