Comment

Jan 13, 2017Nymeria23 rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
I read the edition with translations from Dorothy Sayers and I loved the commentary with this book- the notes on specific lines and images really helped my understanding of this classic and the intricacies of Dante's poetic style. It's a really interesting, and as my professor states it, 'logical' organization of the classical ideas of sin and it's deserving punishment, with each deeper level and darker pit conveying the punishments of the marginally worse sinners, until Dante reaches Satan. It's an intriguing concept, apparently not as original an idea as I had previously thought for the time period, with Dante being guided through Hell because he has lost his way, but still a very cool class read. Not sure I would personally call it a comedy, though *the introduction of Greek mythological figures and beasts was interesting given that they come from a pagan religion. I wonder what there purpose was- to get the audience's attention? Add dramatic flare?