Dante's Inferno

Minos - by Michelangelo

So we begin another descent into the underworld - Dante's nekuia. In this case it the underworld of a Catholic/Christian mind. Dante takes us on a journey of discovery. In the Inferno, Dante takes on a journey to recognize sin. The second step of the journey, Purgatorio, is to renounce sin, and then we are fit for Paradiso. The three books make up Dante's great opus, The Divine Comedy.

Canto I finds Dante lost in the Dark Wood of Error. He see a light on a hilltop and walks toward it only to be blocked by the three beasts of worldliness: leopard, lion and she-wolf. He is saved by the Roman poet, Virgil, who was sent by Dante's great love, Beatrice.

Canto II is the descent to and through the Gate of Hell - ABANDON ALL HOPE YE WHO ENTER HERE.

Canto III is where we meet out first group of sinners, The Opportunist, who are so bad they aren't allowed in the Inferno, but are in the Vestibule of Hell. We see our first major sinner, a Pope of all people, Celestine V. Celestine's placement here is an example of irony and satire. Keep in mind the punishment of bees, wasps, maggots, and the wavering banner.

In Canto IV we meet the Virtuous Pagans in Limbo. They are not physically punished but are never to see the light of God, which leaves them hopeless. Homer is here along with many other ancient philosophers and characters.

Homework: Read Canti VI and VII and complete the reading worksheets. Use the Danteworld website for help.

Quiz on reading tomorrow.