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How to Get Through Dante's Inferno

"The Divine Comedy" was written between 1308 and 1321 by Durante degli Alighieri, known as Dante, an Italian poet from the 14th century (ca. 1265-1321). It is regarded as one of the finest poems of Western literature. There are three parts to this epic poem: "Inferno," "Purgatorio" and "Paradiso." Reading the first part, where Dante journeys through nine circles of Hell guided by the Roman poet Virgil, can be challenging for students. There are excellent critical anthologies available in libraries and resources to assist you on the Internet including interactive media from educational institutions. Make use of these resources and you will not only be able to understand but also better appreciate this great work by Dante.

Instructions

    • 1
      Dante and Virgil are beset by demons in Dante's "Inferno."

      Visit the Princeton Dante Project website to listen to Dante's "Inferno" (See Resources). Click on the audio recording of this poem. Listening to the poem read aloud will help bring the material alive for you. As you listen, follow the text on the site. You can stop the recording at any time and make notes, especially if there are ideas or words that are unfamiliar to you. You should listen to the poem a few times.

    • 2
      A scene from Dante's "Inferno."

      Listen to the BBC lecture on the "Inferno" for an overview and analysis of the poem (see Resources). In this lecture, experts from the University of Leeds, University College London and University of Oxford provide an informative overview of the poem. Take notes as you listen to the lecture.

    • 3
      A scene from Dante's Inferno.

      Consult the Indiana University Edition of Dante's "Inferno" for further analysis (see Resources). It can be found in the library or you can search for inexpensive copies on Internet book sites. There are several excellent critical essays in this anthology. Choose the selections that interest you. For example, if you enjoy film, one of the chapters deals with cinematic explorations of Dante's "Inferno." Make notes of your findings.

    • 4
      A scene from Dante's Inferno.

      Study illustrations of Dante's "Inferno" that have been done by artists. These can by found on illustrated online editions of the poem. One example that is available is the artwork of Gustave Dore, whose engravings were used to illustrate "The Divine Comedy" in the late 1800s.

    • 5

      Compile your notes into a cohesive summary using the suggested resources. Keep your work in chronological order of Dante's journey through the nine circles of Hell. Check all the ideas and words you made on your auditory readings. With these tools you will be prepared to make an independent analysis of Dante's "Inferno."

    • 6
      Pasolini's "Salo" uses Dante's "Inferno" to explore Fascism in Italy.

      Watch the 1975 film "Salo" by the late Italian film director Pier Paolo Pasolini. He was heavily inspired by Dante's "Inferno." The controversial film on Fascism in Italy was released after Pasolini's assassination on the outskirts of Rome. It is recommended as a contemporary reading of Dante's poem. The first part of the film is entitled "Anti Inferno."

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