Dante’s InfernoStudent Edition

Prepared By:Dr. Kay Picart

Assistant Professor of English & Humanities

Biography/Historical Backdrop

Who was Dante Alighieri? What country was He from? During what period Did he live?

Key Question

In what way/s is Dante’s Divine Comedy an allegory?

Key Themes

The symbolisms of light and darkness in the Inferno mean ________________________________________________________________________________________________________?

Key Question:

Why is Virgil the appropriate guide of Dante through hell?

The Divine Comedy is an Allegory

Of: ___________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________.

Dante and Virgil Crossing the River Styx

Key Themes

The symbolism of the animals:

• leopard• lion• she-wolf

Key Themes

Leopard:______________________

Lion:__________________________

She-Wolf:_____________________

The patronage of the three Blessed Ladies

Beatrice St. Lucy Blessed Virgin Mary

The Journey to Hell

Justice means_____________ (to Dante)

Explain the punishments of:• The Indifferents• Charon and the sinners

What is the nature of sin according to Dante?

First Circle of Hell

Describe the first circle of hell.

The Second Circle of Hell

Second Circle of Hell

Describe the second circle of hell.

Paolo and Francesca: Ingres

Paolo and Francesca: Delacroix

Paolo and Francesca: Rossetti

Key Question

What is the nature of Francesca and Paolo’s crime?

Note: Pay attention to Francesca’s rhetoric.

Why does Dante Faint?

______________ ______________ ______________ ______________

Looking Ahead:

--Dante Alighieri, “The Banquet” and “Letter to Can Grande Della Scala” (CTSP, pp. 120-122)