Dante's Divine Comedy: Inferno Cantos I-IV - Analysis and Interpretation

Delve into the first four cantos of Dante's Inferno in this 75-minute lecture from Yale University's "Dante in Translation" course. Explore the stylistic, thematic, and formal features of the Divine Comedy, examining its original title and the poet-pilgrim's double voice. Analyze Dante's positioning of his work within the classical tradition, focusing on his relationship with literary precursors like Virgil. Investigate the novel aspects of Dante's otherworldly journey, particularly the interplay between love and knowledge, will and intellect. Progress through detailed discussions of each canto, from the introductory themes to the entrance into Hell and Limbo. Gain insights into the poem's narrative structure, linguistic shifts, and philosophical underpinnings. Conclude with a question and answer session to deepen understanding of this seminal work of Italian literature.

- Chapter 1. Explanation of Title; Three Levels of Style; Formal Structure
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- Chapter 2. Canto I and Its Double Narrative Focus
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- Chapter 3. Shifting the Language from Mind to Body
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- Chapter 4. Meeting Virgil the Poet and Neo-Platonic Philosopher
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- Chapter 5. Canto II: Identity and Purpose of Journey
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- Chapter 6. Canto III: Entering the Gate of Hell; An Idea of a Linear Novel
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- Chapter 7. Canto IV: Into the Garden and Limbo's Fantastic Figures
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- Chapter 8. Question and Answer
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