Dante’s Commedia: Structure, Virtues, and Theological Themes

What is Dante's Purgatory a climb from and to?

From selfishness to goodness.

What are the three volumes of Dante's Commedia?

Inferno, Purgatorio, Paradiso.

What is the top of Hell called?

Limbo.

How is Hell (Inferno) organized?

Incontinence, violence/bestiality, fraud/malice.

How is Purgatory organized?

The 7 Capital Vices.

How is Paradiso organized?

The 7 Virtues.

Who guides Dante through Purgatory?

Virgil.

What does Virgil represent?

Natural reason.

What happens at death?

Ultimate verdict is done.

What does Dante emphasize about choice?

Free will — all get what they want.

What moves humans to act?

Love.

What makes progress possible?

God's grace.

Are traders doubtful or confident?

Too confident (believe they can't be wrong).

What do traders think when taking risky bets?

Take risky bets and if something goes wrong others will pay the price.

Do traders think about the wider impact of their decisions?

They don't think about wider impact and only their profits.

Do traders think about the wider impact?

No, tare only about quick results, not the long-term consequences.

MacIntyre's point about traders?

Hard to fit virtues into a world of speed, profit, self-interest.

What do the proud souls say?

The Lord's Prayer (Canto 11).

What story involving Mary shows virtue on this terrace?

Mary running to Elizabeth.

Which Roman leader is an example of virtue?

Julius Caesar rushing to Spain.

What do the penitents do?

Run in a frenzy ("Time is Love").

Which biblical group is an example of sloth?

Israelites in the wilderness.

Which literary group is also an example of sloth?

Friends of Aeneas.

What Beatitude is spoken by the angel here?

"Those who Mourn."

How does Mary exemplify virtue here?

Poverty—gives birth in a stable.

Who is Fabricius?

Austere consul (example of virtue).

Other examples of virtue?

St. Nicholas; Mary "I have not known a man."

What position are the penitents in?

Lying face down.

What do the penitents sing?

"My soul clings to the dust."

Name 3 penitents seen here.

Pope Adrian VI, Hugh Capet, Statius.

What do Sodom and Gomorrah represent?

Same-sex excess.

What does Pasiphae represent?

Bestiality.

What does the mouse represent?

Thinking too little of oneself; self-doubt.

What does the lion represent?

Confidence, assertiveness.

What does Hume say about pride?

Useful and agreeable.

What is proper Christian humility?

Unconcern for status.

What does humility recognize?

Giftedness from God.

How does it view achievement?

Extravagant worth but all due to God.

What else does humility include?

Owning limitations; empathy with the lowly.

How does social media intensify envy?

Increases perceived proximity.

Erodes encapsulation (like being with like).

Replaces concealment with showing off

What do Stoics say about anger?

Dismiss it.

What do Plato and Aristotle say about anger?

There is a place for anger; moderation.

What does Christianity say about anger?

Anger is not generally tolerated ("liable to judgment").

hat is positive anger (Lordean anger)?

Anger about injustice for anyone; productive; not aimed at people.

What is narcissistic anger?

Self-focused (e.g., losing a school play role).

What is rogue anger?

Distorted, unhealthy anger.

What central question is asked in Lewis's vision of the afterlife?

If heaven exists, how does one get in?

Driving questions of Lewis's vision of the afterlife.

Is hell freely chosen?

Do decisions change the chooser?

Is anyone beyond redemption?

What is the grey town like?

Dull, endless, rainy, dingy.

What are the houses like there?

Full of quarrels; people move farther apart.

List the vices explored by DeYoung.

Vainglory, envy, sloth, avarice, cold & warm vices, wrath, gluttony, lust.