"Virtue and Desire" in "The Courtier", by Castiglione 16th Century Literature Analysis

Virtue & Desire
<Tab/>What exactly is ideal love? This is a question that works of literature have been discussing for thousands of years. The lines between true virtuous love and those types of love involving primarily lust have been exemplified in historic texts repeatedly. In discussing virtuous love and how it contrasts with that of mere desire the term courtly love must be recognized. Castiglione describes courtly love as noble and holy within the dialogue of his "The Courtier". The Courtier's love is an unrealistic love that all are to strive for. This for…