Great Books II   Spring 2014
  Dante - Purgatorio     
     

March 3

Cantos I-VIII

Bring Inferno & Purgatorio

 

 March 6

Cantos IX-XVI

Bring Inferno & Purgatorio

  1. What are palpable differences between the two canticles.

  2. Compare the ways that the physical spaces of Inferno & Purgatorio are organized.

  3. In the transition between Inferno and Purgatorio, what ends? what begins. How is Dante ready for Purgatory?

  4. What do these architectures teach us?
    Read the Catechism entries about hell and purgatory.

  5. What new thoughts do you have about sin and punishment?

Bring a good question on each of the following topics:

  • Dante's evolving state of mind

  • AntePurgatory

  • Rules for Inferno vs. Purgatory

  • Parallel/Dissimilar aspects of Inferno & Purgatory

Our discussion of these many questions will be led by: Molly, Chase, Rachel, Danielle, Roberto, Joe V., & Mark

 

  1. Be attentive to leitmotifs: love, conversion, justice, vision, desire, consciousness, time, reason, Israel came out of Egypt, faith, identity, light, water, music/rhythm/sound, time, ...

  2. Characterize the differences between Inferno and Purgatory wr/t/ scenery, shades, rituals/rules/practices.
     

  3. What is the difference between purgation and punishment? How are the penitent different than the sinners?

  4. Why is there an antepurgatory?

  5. What is the purpose of the Inferno? The purpose of Purgatory?

  6. Does Dante experience purgation here? Was he punished in Inferno?

Bring a good question on each of the following topics:

  • Purgation
  • The Architecture of Purgatory in relationship to sin.

Our discussion of these questions will be led by Joe W., Mackenzie, David, Kaitlyn, Justin, & Heather, Brian, & Jen

 

March 10
Cantos XVII-XXIV

Bring Inferno & Purgatorio

Be prepared to lead discussion as follows:

XVII - Rachel

XVIII - Chase

XIX - Molly

XX - Mackenzie

XXI - Kaitlyn

XXII - Heather

XXIII - Justin

XXIV - Roberto

Others - come ready with 2 interpretive questions about the Purgatorio & Inferno

  

March 13
Cantos XXV-XXXIII

Bring Inferno & Purgatorio

Be ready to lead discussion as follows:

XXV - Joe V.

XXVI - Danielle

XXVII - Joe W.

XXVIII - Brian

XXIX - David

XXX - Mark

XXXI-Jen

XXXII-III - ALL

Others - come ready with 2 interpretive questions about the Purgatorio & Inferno