Purgatorio

For this week: Read Purgatorio Cantos 1-15. Pace yourself, divide the Cantos into even bits so you are not overwhelmed by all of it in one day. The annotations in the book are there for you to use should you need them. 

As you read, complete these assignments:

1. Summarize each canto in one paragraph each. 

2. What is the purpose of the Ante-purgatory? Who is there? 

3. Several people describe their deaths in cantos 1-5. Choose one and give a detailed summary of their experience with death. Why did you chose this person’s story to summarize? What is your personal reaction to this person’s death and their existence in ante-purgatory? 

4. In Canto 7, there is a reference to Palinurus’s loss of belief that prayers will bend the will of the gods (lines 30 – 42). Read the notes regarding these lines on page 133 and consider the following: In Canto 3 ( lines 36-45), Virgil mentions the Greek philosophers who sit in the first ring of the Inferno. How do lines 30-42 in Canto 7 relate to the reason that they are there and help us to understand that it is fair that they are in the Inferno rather than in Paradise? Write down your answer to share in class.

5. Canto 8 contains several references to God’s victory over sin and the hope that we have in Him. Find at least one allegorical device representing these concepts and write a short explanation. 

6. Canto 9 is filled with literary devices. Choose two and write a short explanation of each and be prepared to present them to the class.

7. Cantos 10-12 depict the first terrace of purgatory proper, which is where people are purged of pride. Several statues and scenes of humility exist in this realm to help souls become purged of pride. Pick one of the biblical images and read the biblical passages about that person, or at least enough to remind yourself of their humility. What can you learn about pride in your life from the image you chose? Write a short answer, and be prepared to discuss this with the class. 

8. Cantos 13-16 show us the second terrace of purgatory, the realm where people are purged of envy. In this section, it seems that Dante proposes that envy be purged by helping others, but also by receiving help from others. This mutual help and recognition that a godly life requires unity through mutual consideration for others is something we neglect in our culture. After reading these cantos, answer the following question: How can you form the habit of godly unity in your family, church group, sports team, or another group you are involved in through encouraging mutual help among the members?