Dante’s Devine Comedy: Inferno Canto XXVI
by Barry Wright
Essay: Dante’s Devine Comedy: Inferno Canto XXVI
Pages: 10
Rating: 3 stars
Download Links:
• Dante’s Devine Comedy: Inferno Canto XXVI.pdf
• Dante’s Devine Comedy: Inferno Canto XXVI.doc
Of the Medieval Texts, Dante’s Inferno, gives readers insight into a poetically described version of Hell that is full
of punishment and evil. Dante travels through purgatory speaking with various shades as well as converses with
his guide to gain insight on the follies of man. Each Canto describes certain characters and their reasons for being
stuck in Hell. Through analysis of the text as well as support from literature written by Sara Sturm, R Bates, and
lastly EM Hood, Canto XXVI not only provides insight on Dante’s political beliefs, but also describes the eventual
demise of false counselors, as well as those whom are not grateful for their God-Given gifts.
First, Dante Alighieri utilizes Canto XXVI to further describe his political beliefs and agenda to his readers. The
introduction paragraph of Canto XXVI likens the eighth circle, for which Dante has described previously, to his
native city Florence. Dante writes, “be joyous Florence, you are great indeed, for over sea and land you beat your
wings, through every part of Hell your named extends!” which is a direct mockery towards his hometown Florence
(Inferno XXVI 1-3). Dante is agreeing with the fact that Florence is one of the greatest cities however claims that
some of her success is due to evil being cultivated in the city. Florence is such a successful city so much that it is
even famous in Hell albeit for the wrong reasons. The previous canto, XXV, gives a description of the eighth circle,
which is reserved for thieves. Dante continues his analysis of the eighth circle, and claims that “among thieves I
found five citizens of yours [Florence] – and such, that shame has taken me, with them you can ascend to no high
honor” (Inf. XXVI. 4-6). The last few lines of Dant...
essay dante'