Questa Umil Fera, Un Cor DI Tigre o D' Orsa
The poem describes the speaker's beloved, who is compared to a humble beast with a heart of tiger or bear. The speaker praises her beauty, saying it has tamed his own savage heart and made him gentle. He notes that she is unaware of her power over him and that he is helpless against her charms.
By Francesco Petrarca · First published 1344 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romantic Poetry, Sonnet · 185 words
First lines
HE PRAYS HER EITHER TO WELCOME OR DISMISS HIM AT ONCE.
Fiercer than tiger, savager than bear, In human guise an angel form appears, Who between fear and hope, from smiles to tears So tortures me that doubt becomes despair.
Ere long if she nor welcomes me, nor frees, But, as her wont, between the two retains, By the sweet poison circling through my veins, My life, O Love! will soon be on its lees.
No longer can my virtue, worn and frail With such severe vicissitudes, contend, At once which burn and freeze, make red and pale: By flight it hopes at length its grief to end, As one who, hourly failing, feels death nigh: Powerless he is indeed who cannot even die!
What this Textopian page supports
Questa Umil Fera, Un Cor DI Tigre o D' Orsa is listed on Textopian as a poem by Francesco Petrarca, dated 1344 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Francesco Petrarca
- Date: 1344 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Romantic Poetry, Sonnet, Allegorical Poetry, Philosophical Poetry
- Length: 185 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for Questa Umil Fera, Un Cor DI Tigre o D' Orsa by Francesco Petrarca
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Questa Umil Fera, Un Cor DI Tigre o D' Orsa?
- How does this poem by Francesco Petrarca fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Lyric Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- I Ho Pregato Amor E Nel Riprego by Francesco Petrarca
- Occhi Miei Oscurato E L Nostro Sole by Francesco Petrarca
- La Sera Desiar Odiar L Aurora by Francesco Petrarca
- L Aura Che L Verde Lauro E L Aureo Crine by Francesco Petrarca
- Da Poi Che Sotto L Ciel Cosa Non Vidi by Francesco Petrarca
- Io Non Sapea Da Tal Vista Levarme by Francesco Petrarca
Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The work is characterized by personal emotion and expression, typical of lyric poetry.
- Romantic Poetry — Themes of love, desire, and emotional turmoil are central, aligning with romantic poetry.
- Sonnet — The structure and style suggest it may be a sonnet, a common form in Petrarch's work.
- Allegorical Poetry — The use of metaphorical language and personification indicates allegorical elements.
Tags
Italian Literature · Renaissance Poetry · Love Poems · Sonnet Collection · 14th Century Writing · Classical Influence · Romanticism · Nature Imagery · Wildlife Symbolism · Courtly Love · Medieval Culture · Lyrical Poetry
More by Francesco Petrarca
- Fifteen sonnets of Petrarch (1350)
- Voi, Ch' Ascoltate in Rime Sparse Il Suono (1343)
- Per Far Una Leggiadra Sua Vendetta (1343)
- Era 'L Giorno Ch' Al Sol Si Scoloraro (1343)
- Quel Ch' Infinita Providenza Ed Arte (1343)
- Quand' Io Movo I Sospiri a Chiamar Voi (1344)
- Si Traviato E 'L Folle Mio Desio (1343)
- La Gola E 'L Sonno E L' Oziose Piume (1344)
- All works by Francesco Petrarca