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.
October 4 From the Dark Wood to the Stars: Reading Dante’s Inferno
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.
November 1 Poetry Reborn: Reading Dante’s Purgatorio
Purgatorio, the second canticle of Dante’s Divine Comedy, has enchanted readers for centuries. Joseph Luzzi, a professor of literature at Bard College, details its beautiful language, meditations on human time and forgiveness, and extraordinary development of characters including Dante himself and his guides, Virgil and Beatrice.
10–11 a.m. Introduction to Purgatorio
Luzzi relates the canticle of Purgatorio to the Divine Comedy’s first one, Inferno.
11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m. Purgatorio, cantos 1–10
Key concepts such as the depiction of Mount Purgatory, a political discussion of Italy, and theories of the relationship between art and salvation are explored.
12:15–12:45 p.m. Break
12:45–1:45 p.m. Purgatorio, cantos 11–22
Luzzi discusses major topics like Dante’s notion of free will and his reverence for his guide, the Latin poet Virgil.
2–3 p.m. Purgatorio, cantos 23–33
Important episodes like Dante’s encounter with Beatrice and his confession of his early sins are the focus.
December 13 The Love that Moves the Stars: Reading Dante’s Paradiso
Paradiso is the Divine Comedy’s final canticle. Joseph Luzzi, a professor of literature at Bard College, delves into its avant-garde literary techniques, dialogue between theology and poetry, and treatment of key concepts ranging from Dante’s exile to the transcendent beauty of God’s universe.
10–11 a.m. Introduction to Paradiso
Luzzi relates Paradiso to the Divine Comedy’s earlier canticles, Inferno and Purgatorio.
11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m. Paradiso, cantos 1–10
Key images like Dante’s version of heaven as well as the creation of a new poetic language to describe the final stage of Dante’s spiritual journey are the focus.
12:15–12:45 p.m. Break
12:45–1:45 p.m. Paradiso, cantos 11–22
Luzzi discusses Dante’s understanding of Christian doctrines and his “biographies” of leading church figures such as Saint Francis and Saint Dominic.
2–3 p.m. Paradiso, cantos 23–33
Important episodes such as Dante’s ongoing dialogues with Beatrice and his ultimate vision of God’s creation as a kind of “divine poem” are explored.
3 sessions
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