I am listing below some possible topics of discussion. Please do not allow your comments to extend simply to "Oh, I found this interesting" or to a retelling of the plot. I know Dante is not the easiest author, but I'm looking for some evidence of thought and reflection in your posting.
Include quotations in your responses to support your discussion. Be prepared to speak in class about your answers (this means knowing what you wrote about in your blog).
1. The description of the Old Man of Crete in Canto 14. How do you "read" this Old Man? You might use the note on pp. 555 - 7 of the Durling edition as a source of inspiration.
2. Dante's views on homosexuality (especially concerning his conversation Brunetto Latino in Canto 15 and his reaction to the three souls who resemble "naked and oiled" wrestlers in Canto 16). How might his reaction to these souls contrast / resemble his interaction with previous souls? Why do you feel this to be the case?
3. The description of the Geryon in Canto 17. How do you interpret this fantastical creature that signifies fraud? Why do you think the notion of fraud is important for Dante (especially given the fact that he is a writer -- what do writers do? What is the nature of fictional literature?) Do you see any other meanings in this creature?
4. The emergence of "low-brow comedy" in the text. Why do you think this might be the case? (I'm especially thinking of the punishment for those in Canto 18, lines 109 - 114). What other medieval texts have similar comedic leanings? Can we make comparisons here?
5. In Canto 19 we see a complete inversion of the church (this is where the majority of the popes in hell are located). What do you find so radical about this canto, especially given Dante's devout Christian faith? Do you see any reconciliation or conflicts between religious beliefs and condemnation of the churchmen found here? How and where?
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