Dante Questions and Answers Already Graded A

Dante Questions and Answers Already Graded A Why is it appropriate that Virgil is Dante's guide? Because dante looks up to virgil, virgil is the best of the best in Dantes day; also dante has to come to his own conclusions (spiritual journey) because virgil isnt christian he cant help dante he can only guide him What does Virgil represent? human reason What does the "dark wood" represent? sinful life What does Dante's attempt to climb the hill represent in Canto I? attempt to find salvation Why is Dante confronted by the Three Beasts of Worldliness? the beasts are his sins that he needs to overcome Why does Dante describe the she-wolf as the most threatening of the three beasts? nothing more dangerous than mom protecting young especially a starving one (shewolf doesnt stop eating) What does the prediction about the she-wolf and the greyhound suggest about Dante's purpose in writing the Inferno? it suggests there is also a political element to the story In what way does Dante represent all people? Everybody is searching for something more What is the overall theme of the Canto I? Sin can only be overcome by a long difficult path or journey Why is Dante's use of a gate particularly appropriate? (11) it is a relateable image for people of dantes time; gates also represent passing into a different part of a humans life Why are the "nearly soulless" in hell? (32) because they are opportunists; they changes their goals to suite their needs and nobody elses (never pick a side) Why are the "despicable corps of angels" in hell? (34) the angels that didnt pick a side or make a stand (angels that werent w god nor satan) How does the punishment of the "nearly soulless" and the "despicable corps" fit the crime? Nobody is ever going to remember them; because they werent good or bad they cant go to heaven or hell (cant go anywhere; god makes them want to go deeper into hell) Why is it appropriate that the banner is "Circling and circling"? (50) its never ending; hell is eternal Why might Dante harbor special repugnance toward those who are indecisive, particularly Pope Celestine V? (57) because he got screwed in a political battle by those type of people because he took a stand Why are the "wasps and hornets" appropriate? (62) because wasps are relentless and dont stop stinging (hell is eternal); their stinging is also a constant reminder of why they are in hell Why does Dante describe the souls as "eager to cross" the river? (71) God decided to punish them psychologically and physically ; makes them want to go where they fear the most (across the river) Why does Charon react so angrily to Dante? (81-90) Because Dante doesnt belong in Hell; he was given a gift to see what will happen if he doesnt shape up . Why does Dante describe the souls as fallen leaves? (109) fallen leaves= death/decay, it also gives a sense of how many souls entering hell (think ammount of fallen leaves in fall) . Why does Dante dwell on the physical realities of hell? Because its tangible stuff and therefor understandable What is the main theme of Canto III? all sins are punished and lack of commitment is a sin What does Dante's definition of carnal sin reveal about his values? (38-39) spiritual matters over matters of flesh; reason over appetite If the above is true, then why does Dante appear to pity the carnal sinners? because its not their fault (love takes its path) he gets it because hes in love Why is the punishment of the carnal sinners appropriate? Because on earth they let their passions throw them around w/ no regard for reason so in hell the winds are throwing them around Why does Dante allude to several historical and legendary figures in this canto? Why is he confused by these "great knights and ladies of dim time"? (71) More relateable (everybody knows them); hes confused because hes been taught to admire those people According to Francesca, what motivated her descent into sin? What larger point might Dante be making? reading the book; watch what u read/watch What does the reader learn from Francesca's first-person tale? (88-135) she doesnt take responsibility for her actions What does Francesca mean when she says, "The double grief of a lost bliss / is to recall its happy hour in pain"? (118-119) the punishment reminds her how happy her life was; makes her feel worse How does Virgil judge Paolo and Francesca? Does Dante the poet want us to agree with Virgil or Dante the character? virgil doesnt feel bad; wants us to agree w virgil What is the overall theme of canto V? If you abandon reason for appetitie or passion you will be punished What is the significance of Virgil's allusion to the 6th century hymn (line 1)? hell is a world of distortions Why does Dante address the reader directly (line 21) of Canto XXXIV? hes trying to get attention/ heighten drama Why are the figures in Satan's mouth considered traitors? brutus, cassius, and judas all betrayed people to the greatest extent (Caesar/God) Which aspect of Brutus's suffering does Dante emphasize (line 65)? Why is this an appropriate punishment? The fact he cant speak; his crimes were unspeakable, he also betrayed w words Why does Dante choose to represent the most terrible part of Hell as a frozen lake? cold hearted traitor Why does Virgil have to carry Dante out of Hell by climbing over Satan? you have to climb over and overcome sin; cant do it alone . How have Dante's feelings about the inhabitants of Hell changed since Canto III? hes lost pity for the sinners What is the main theme of Canto XXXIV? treachery will be punished what does the greyhound represent political change what does the leapord represent deceit what does the lion represent pride/arrogance what does the shewolf represent greed what is dantes mood as he begins the journey depressed what is dantes role sinner seeking salvation what does the easter season/all other seasonal symbols represent rebirth what does a circle represent in dantes description of hell futility (no end) what does carnal, carne vale (italian), and carnival all mean flesh/worldly matters Why is the punishment of the opportunists allegorically appropriate? because they pursued illusions and often changed course, they chase an elusive banner Why does Dante address the reader directly in the final canto? to increase the drama of the scene what is the overall theme all sins are punished and all sinners are damned what were dantes two major literary models virgils Aeneid and the bible how long is dantes entire journeyh one week how does dantes journey begin and end begins in fear and ends w a joyous visiion of god what is the inferno 3 day journey from good friday to easter sunday what is antes obsession w 3 holy trinity, divina commedia is 3rd work in trilogy which consists of 3 parts that each has 33 cantos and 3 lines per stanza