Fall 23-Spring 24 Friday Study: The Divine Comedy
The Divine Comedy is one of the most magnificent epic poems in the canon of Western Literature. In it, Dante Alighieri will take us on a journey set in the realms of the afterlife that serve as a backdrop to explore the human condition, theology, and beatitude. The Divine Comedy is divided into three parts, Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. We will delve into the depths of Hell with Dante and his guide, Virgil; we will climb Mount Purgatory with them; and we will explore the glorious realms of heaven. Dante’s writing, which makes heavy use of symbolism, allegory, and moral teaching, will make us confront important realities like sin, justice, and divine mercy. This is a truly timeless work that still captivates and inspires many with its profound insights into the human soul and the eternal pursuit of truth and salvation. The study will range from August 25-May 3.
Bibliography of Recommended Resources
Recommended Translation: Dante. The Divine Comedy: Inferno, Purgatorio, Paradiso. Everyman’s Library 183. Translated by Allen Mandelbaum. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1995. ISBN: 978-09-679-43313-2.
100 Days of Dante by Baylor University. https://100daysofdante.com/
Baxter, Jason M. A Beginner’s Guide to Dante’s Divine Comedy. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2018. ISBN: 978-0801098734.
Leithart, Peter J. Ascent to Love: A Guide to Dante’s Divine Comedy. Moscow, ID: Canon Press, 2001. ISBN: 978-1885767165.