The Transgression of Nemoroso, and the Death of Elisa: The Punishment of Diana.

Abstract

Elisa‘s death in the First Eclogue derives form a circumstance which represents a significant rupture to the pastoral gender. In addition, it allows us the possibility to understand her relationship with Nemoroso through a point of view which departs considerably from the spiritualized love imposed by the critics. The attitude of apparent negligence or ingratitude on the part of Diana may be explained as a revenge of the goddess towards her devoted pastors for having transgressed the precepts of forced chastity adopted by her nymphs.