Book 6, Canto 11 Summary

The brigands try to sell their newfound slaves, but the captain has fallen in love with Patorella's beauty. A fight ensues during which Meliboe is killed, but Coridon escapes. Calidore has discovered the remains of the pastoral camp and finds Coridon, who tells him that all have been killed, included the beloved Pastorella. Calidore finds the brigands, fights bravely and courteously (as always) and is overjoyed to find his love alive.

Book 6, Canto 11 Analysis

The idea of a pirate captain overwhelmed with love for his female captive is nothing new in the romance genre. In fact, this is a typical device that allows the hero time to arrive on the scene. Another way to see this as more than a simple plot device is to recall that Pastorella's untainted shepherdess beauty is what captures the attention (if not love) of even...