1. Some of the sins that Dante considered terrible, such as usury (banking), have become more accepted in modern culture. Draw a map of your own version of Hell, using “modern” sins. What do we consider “terrible” now that Dante may not have? What sins remain the same? Do some […]
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1. Describe Virgil’s function in the Inferno. How does he differ from Dante? What does he represent? Is he an apt guide or could someone else have done better? 2. How does Dante grow as a character in the poem? How does his reaction toward sin change? 3. Dante wrote […]
Read more Study Help Essay QuestionsStudy Help Full Glossary for The Divine Comedy: Inferno
Absalom Bible. David’s favorite son; killed after rebelling against his father: 2 Samuel 18. Acheron the River of Sorrow. Achilles Greek Mythology. Greek warrior and leader in the Trojan War who kills Hector and is killed by Paris with an arrow that strikes his only vulnerable spot, his heel; he […]
Read more Study Help Full Glossary for The Divine Comedy: InfernoCritical Essays Dante the Poet and Dante the Pilgrim
Throughout the poem, there are two Dantes: Dante the Poet is a stern, moralistic individual who acts as the supreme judge and decides who belongs in Hell and, like Minos the monster judge, decides which circle of Hell each sinner belongs in. This Dante is unswerving in his judgment. He […]
Read more Critical Essays Dante the Poet and Dante the PilgrimCritical Essays The Beginning and the Ending: Francesca and Ugolino
There are many discussions about the use of the number “three” and its various symbolic uses. But seldom is there any discussion of the number “two.” However, looking at the beginning of Hell Proper and the ending of Hell Proper would demonstrate two contrasting pairs forever bound together. Canto V, […]
Read more Critical Essays The Beginning and the Ending: Francesca and UgolinoDante Alighieri Biography
Dante was born in Florence in May 1265. His family was of an old lineage, of noble birth but no longer wealthy. His education was undoubtedly typical of all the youth of that time and station in life. When he was only 12 years old, his marriage to the daughter […]
Read more Dante Alighieri BiographyCharacter Analysis Virgil
Virgil displays all of the noble virtues attributed to the perfect Roman. He represents reason and wisdom, making him the perfect guide. As the journey progresses, his treatment of Dante changes, depending on the situation. Often and most importantly, Virgil is very protective of Dante. At times, he reprimands Dante […]
Read more Character Analysis VirgilCharacter Analysis Dante
We never know what type of sin Dante has committed — this is not important — somewhere, he has simply strayed from the straight path. As he travels through this dreadful region, he retains those qualities that he has always possessed. And, he also displays a variety of emotions ranging […]
Read more Character Analysis DanteSummary and Analysis Canto XXXIV
Summary The poets reach the final round of the last circle of Cocytus, the ninth and final circle of Hell called Judecca, and see the sinners there completely encased in the ice, in all sorts of strange and twisted positions. These are the sinners who were treacherous to their masters, […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Canto XXXIVSummary and Analysis Cantos XXXII-XXIII
Summary Whereas earlier, Dante searched for rhymes that would help alleviate the suffering of the shades in the upper circles, now he calls out for “rhymes rugged and harsh and hoarse/ fit for the hideous hole” [Sayers’ translation] — horrible words befitting the utter horror of this most horrendous place, […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Cantos XXXII-XXIII