ABSTRACT
This chapter considers the structure of the Courtier as a whole and what it implies. It explains the elaborate structural and textual references to the Statesman which are found throughout the Courtier. In the Courtier the most obvious element of 'return' is the narrative's conclusion with the same kind of argumentative exchanges between Gaspar and Emilia as occurred at its beginning. The violent temporary insanity of Hercules, although nowhere alluded to in the Courtier, is taken by Berger to be an implicit 'danger signal' which undermines the positive value attributed to the figure of Hercule. When Ottaviano has finished his exposition of the perfect courtier's political role, and the assembled company lapses into informal conversation about what he has said, the Magnifico raises a number of objections to the position Ottaviano has presented. Nevertheless, when Gaspar asks Ottaviano whether the active life or the contemplative life is more fitting for the prince, Ottaviano does not respond in typical Renaissance terms.
