Illustration of Dante's Inferno, Canto 8 by Johannes Stradanus, 1587
Even though it was written seven centuries ago, Dante’s Divine Comedy is essential reading today. Joseph Luzzi, a professor of literature at Bard College, explains why as he leads three all-day seminars focusing on each of the Divine Comedy’s three canticles: Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. He highlights the originality and brilliance of Dante’s poetic vision, explaining how this great poem became one of the most influential works in literary history.
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Inferno, the first canticle of Dante’s Divine Comedy, is one of the most celebrated and dramatic pieces of literature ever written. Joseph Luzzi, a professor of literature at Bard College, covers this epic poem in all its cultural and historical richness. Among the topics he considers are Dante’s relation to his beloved hometown of Florence, his lacerating experience of exile, and his lifelong devotion to his muse, Beatrice.
10–11 a.m. Introduction to Inferno
Luzzi analyzes Inferno, especially in connection with Dante’s life and his exile from Florence.
11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m. Inferno, cantos 1–10
Key images like Dante’s “dark wood” and the gates of hell, as well as memorable characters like the damned lovers Paolo and Francesca, are the focus.
12:15–12:45 p.m. Break
12:45–1:45 p.m. Inferno, cantos 11–22
Luzzi discusses major topics like Dante’s relation to his beloved hometown of Florence, his dramatic encounter with his teacher Brunetto Latini, and the structure of Dante’s hell.
2–3 p.m. Inferno, cantos 23–34
Important episodes such as Dante’s interaction with the Greek hero Ulysses (the Latin name for Odysseus) and Satan at the bottom of the inferno are examined.
Additional Sessions of the Reading Dante's Divine Comedy Series
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