Why Did the Monkey Kill the Giant? Another Look at Margutte’s Death

Abstract

In the Morgante through Margutte’s death-by-laughter Pulci voices a caustic critique of Ficino’s philosophical theories while obliquely denouncing Lorenzo de Medici’s acceptance of them. The spectacle of the monkey wearing and taking off Margutte’s boots follows Aristotle’s definition of the ridiculous that ignites hilarity. It also retrieves Bergson’s idea of a society that can be derided because of its attempts to disguise its true self. Most importantly, it reintroduces Petrarch’s concepts of similitudo and identitas. Through the depiction of the giant’s death Pulci reveals the dignity of a poet remaining true to his poetic discourse even while coming to terms with the negative turn his career has taken.