Questions for the Inferno

1. As you go through each of the Cantos, take note of the architecture of the work as a whole. Where does each Canto fits in that scheme?

2. Then, in each Canto look for one or two quotes that capture the essence of the lesson Dante wants us to learn.

3. For each sin and punishment, consider the correctness of that punishment; Dante calls this God's Justice, though perhaps there is much poetic justice as well. Choose one or two instances and discuss them as examples.

4. There are many extraordinary visual scenes in the Inferno, choose one and show why you think it is so vivid. You can quote, cite use of words, or talk about the import of what Dante wants us to see.

5..Where can you find evidence of the Poet in the Inferno, how about the Traveller? Find exact quotes for each.

6. Use any of the Keys to a First Reading of Dante (below) and respond to that aspect of approaching his work.

The New Bible and Dante’s Mission: the ideal society

What is Sin? God’s Justice

Theory of Politics and Government: Community and the separation of Church and State

Invention of Punishments: Logic of the like to like

The Redeeming Power of Poetry: Poetry as God given power

Experience and the Process of Learning: Allegory

Visual Imagination: !

Creation of a Language: The Father of Italian

Two Dantes: The Poet and the Traveller