This module delves into the significant cantos of Paradise, specifically XXVII to XXIX, where Dante explores profound themes. Key points include:
Through these explorations, students will gain insights into Dante's theological and philosophical perspectives as he navigates the celestial realms.
This module serves as an introduction to Dante Alighieri and his seminal work, the Divine Comedy. Students will explore the various genres represented in the poem, including romance, epic, and vision, while situating the work within the broader context of the medieval literary tradition. A historical overview of Dante's life, particularly his political struggles and exile, will provide insight into the motivations behind his writing. Students will also learn about the significance of Dante's exile in shaping his poetic vision, establishing a foundation for the analysis that follows in subsequent modules.
This lecture focuses on the Vita nuova, Dante's autobiographical work that reflects his dual journey in poetry and love. The central theme of Dante's love for Beatrice is examined as a transformative force in his quest for a new poetic voice. The module will discuss medieval love theories, contrasting them with Dante's unique approach. Students will analyze how the Vita nuova not only anticipates themes found in the Divine Comedy but also sets the stage for the exploration of love's relationship with knowledge within a broader cultural context.
This module introduces the first four cantos of Inferno, the initial part of Dante's Divine Comedy. Professor Mazzotta analyzes the stylistic and thematic elements of the poem, emphasizing its original title, Comedy. Discussions will include the dual voice of the poet and the pilgrim's journey in contrast to literary predecessors, particularly Virgil. Students will explore the innovative aspects of Dante's vision of the afterlife, particularly how the themes of love and knowledge are intertwined in this foundational text.
This module covers cantos V through VII of Inferno, where the concepts of love and sin are examined in depth. Students will analyze Limbo, the circle of lust, and the consequences of poetic hubris as the pilgrim interacts with figures like Francesca da Rimini. The exploration will highlight the dangers of uncritical reading and the societal implications of lust and gluttony as depicted in Dante's vision of Hell. The module will conclude with a critical examination of Virgil's discussion on Fortune, situating these ideas within the Christian context of divine providence.
This lecture examines the middle zone of Inferno, focusing on violence as depicted in cantos XII through XVI. Students will explore the rich symbolism of hybrid creatures and engage in close readings of cantos XIII and XV. The encounter with Pier delle Vigne will be contextualized within classical literature, particularly the Aeneid, while the critique of humanistic values emerges through the pilgrim's meeting with Brunetto Latini. This module invites students to reflect on the broader implications of authority and poetic identity in Dante's work.
This module focuses on cantos XIX, XXI, XXV, and XXVI of Inferno, with a special emphasis on the sin of simony and its historical relevance. The complexities of prophecy versus profanation are examined as students analyze Dante's poetic identity and authority. The theme of poetic hubris resurfaces in cantos XXIV and XXV through Dante's interactions with figures that illuminate the perils of poetic ambition. The tragic revision of Ulysses' journey in canto XXVI invites a discussion on the risks associated with poetic creation.
This lecture examines cantos XXVI, XXVII, and XXVIII of Inferno, focusing on the themes of counsel and retribution. The relationship between Dante's false counselors, Ulysses and Guido da Montefeltro, will be analyzed, exploring the tension between rhetoric and politics. Furthermore, canto XXVIII's depiction of Bertran de Born introduces the principle of contrapassoâDante's law of retribution. This module emphasizes the philosophical implications of justice as portrayed in Dante's vision of Hell and the limitations of retributive justice.
This module concludes the analysis of Inferno with a close reading of cantos XXX to XXXIV. Students will engage with themes of tragedy and comedy, tracing the pilgrim's descent into the depths of Hell, culminating in encounters with treachery and Satan. The disintegration of language, as discussed in the context of tragic elements, will be examined alongside the ultimate triumph of comedy as the pilgrim approaches Mount Purgatory. This module highlights the significance of Dante's poetic evolution and the thematic resolution that paves the way for the next segment of the Comedy.
This module introduces the concept of Purgatory through a close reading of its first two cantos. Students will explore the topography and moral structure of Mount Purgatory, contrasting it with the punitive nature of Hell. The choice of Cato, a pagan figure, as the guardian of Purgatory opens discussions on freedom and historical perspectives from classical and Judaic traditions. The module will examine how Catoâs ideals of virtue and exile set the stage for the souls seeking redemption along their journey upward.
This module continues the examination of Purgatory with a focus on cantos V, VI, IX, and X. The theme of freedom is revisited through the last-minute penitents and their genealogical connections. The interrelation of natural and civic ancestry is explored as the pilgrim encounters figures from Dante's past. The transition into Purgatory proper in canto IX leads to an exploration of moral and poetic structures, exemplified by the terrace of pride in canto X. Students will engage with the transformative aspects of these encounters in relation to Dante's poetic project.
This lecture focuses on the terraces of pride and wrath as represented in cantos X through XVII. Analyzing the relationship between art and pride, students will explore how these themes are developed in theological contexts. The "ludic theology" present in these cantos is particularly evident through Marco Lombardo's discourse on divine foreknowledge and human freedom. This module culminates at the numerical center of the poem in canto XVII, where Dante's reflections on imagination connect the themes of human creation and divine inspiration.
This lecture covers Purgatory cantos XIX, XXI, and XXII, focusing on the power of imagination and its dual role in discovery and disengagement. The pilgrim's dream of the siren serves as a warning against the death-dealing potential of aesthetics, while the encounter between Statius and Virgil highlights poetry's transformative power in the context of conversion. This module invites students to explore the implications of poetic creation and the relationship between imagination and spiritual growth.
In this module, guest lecturer Professor David Lummus delves into cantos XXIV through XXVI of Purgatory, focusing on the terraces of gluttony and lust. The pilgrim's encounters with the masters of Italian love lyric provide an in-depth exploration of poetic style and its evolution. Through discussions on Bonagiunta and Guido Guinizelli, students will gain insights into Dante's poetic genealogy and the themes of paternity and filiation. The exploration culminates with Statius's reflections on divine creation, highlighting the interplay between poetry and divine inspiration.
This lecture focuses on the Earthly Paradise at the summit of Mount Purgatory. Students will engage with the themes of freedom and redemption, culminating in the pilgrim's encounter with Matelda and Beatrice. Dante's depiction of the transition from earthly pleasures to divine guidance highlights the ongoing process of conversion. This module emphasizes the importance of Beatrice's role in the pilgrim's journey, as well as the implications of his character flaws and the lessons learned in the Earthly Paradise.
This module introduces students to Paradise through a detailed analysis of cantos I and II. The Ptolemaic structure of Dante's cosmos is explained alongside the artistic and scientific themes associated with its spheres. Beatrice's role as a teacher is contrasted with that of St. Bernard, the final guide to the Beatific Vision. Students will also examine Dante's poetic precursors and the theological modes he intertwines in his journey, emphasizing the significance of the opening tercets in setting the stage for the mystical experiences to come.
This lecture focuses on cantos IV, VI, and X of Paradise, highlighting the relationship between intellect and will. Students will analyze the implications of Piccarda's fate and the arrangement of souls in the heavens as explained by Beatrice. The discussion will extend to political themes through Justinian's historical account, providing a dialogue between Virgil and Augustine's perspectives. In canto X, the pilgrim encounters St. Thomas and St. Bonaventure, exploring the boundaries between knowledge and revelation in the context of divine wisdom.
This module continues the exploration of the Heaven of the Sun through cantos XI and XII, where the Franciscan and Dominican orders are discussed. The mutual respect and praise exchanged between St. Thomas and St. Bonaventure highlight the harmony amid earthly disputes. The presence of Nathan and Joachim of Flora serves as counterweights to Solomon and Siger of Brabant, reinforcing the themes of critique and reverence shared by these religious figures. This module invites students to reflect on the shared values and critiques of the world presented in these cantos.
This lecture focuses on the cantos of Cacciaguida, exploring the relationship between history, self, and exile. The encounter with Dante's ancestor facilitates a discussion on historiography and the transition from epic to local chronicle narratives. Students will analyze Cacciaguida's prophecies and their implications for Dante's understanding of exile as a means of reentering history. This module emphasizes the importance of genealogy and the classical and medieval perspectives on identity and history within Dante's work.
This module examines cantos XVIII, XIX, XXI, and XXII of Paradise, focusing on the theme of divine justice. The pilgrim's encounter in the Heaven of Jupiter, where righteous rulers take the form of an eagle, invites a discussion on the moral implications of governance. Dante's exploration of divine justice transcends cultural boundaries, contrasting political and moral perspectives. As the pilgrim ascends to the Heaven of Saturn, the contemplative and mystical traditions are analyzed, culminating in a reflection on Dante's unique position in history and his visionary aspirations.
This final module covers cantos XXIV, XXV, and XXVI of Paradise, where the pilgrim encounters the theological virtues of faith, hope, and love. Students will analyze the significance of these virtues as they relate to the poet's journey and message of reform. The complexity of faith and reason, as articulated by St. Peter, will be explored, along with the biblical tradition of hope exemplified in the Exodus narrative. The module concludes with an examination of love's elusive nature, setting the stage for the culmination of the pilgrim's journey towards the Beatific Vision.
This module delves into the significant cantos of Paradise, specifically XXVII to XXIX, where Dante explores profound themes. Key points include:
Through these explorations, students will gain insights into Dante's theological and philosophical perspectives as he navigates the celestial realms.
This module covers the climactic cantos XXX to XXXIII of Paradise, where Dante's journey culminates in the Empyrean. Key elements include:
Students will analyze how these elements reflect Dante's political vision and his exploration of the divine.
This concluding module provides a comprehensive review of the key themes and topics covered in the Divine Comedy throughout the semester. It includes:
This session aims to solidify students' comprehension of Dante's intricate tapestry of ideas as they prepare for final evaluations.