January 30

Dante (Inferno XV-XVIII)

Read one Canto per day aloud.

1. Dante undergoes a major transition as he crosses each body of water or liquid. Trace these transitions in the work thus far.
2. What is the root problem common to all of the sins of incontinence? violence?
3. Explicate each contrapasso in circle 7.
4. Why is sodomy a sin of violence?
5. What does Geryon's symbolize?
6. How is the geography of hell changing?
7. Why does Dante introduce the Malebolge?

1. How is sin the same as suffering?
2. Must sin precede praise as confession?
3. Identify all things that may precede praise and how they come about. Draw a picture.
4. Describe the influence of each of Augustine's mentors on his spiritual journey.