the work belongs to the italian renaissance tradition of the romantic epic poem. the poet frequently borrows plot elements and character types directly from "orlando furioso" ("the frenzy of roland"), written in 1516 by ludovico aristo (1474-1533). tasso's poem also has elements inspired by the classical epics of homer and virgil, especially in those sections of their works that tell of sieges and warfare. one of the most typical literary devices in tasso's poem is the emotional conflict suffered by characters torn between their heart and their duty; the depiction of love at odds with martial courage or honor is a central source of lyrical passion in the poem.