The Divine Comedy Questions
Background information:
How did the great Roman Empire come to be divided between East and West?
When Charlemagne was crowned the Holy Roman Emperor, offending the Byzantines and was fully recognized to split in 1054.
Why were the years after the split in the western empire called the "Dark Ages"?
Because nearly all forms of organization present due to the presence of the Empire fell apart, sending Europe into disarray for hundreds of years.
What was the basis of the pope's claim to complete temporal jurisdiction over all of Western Europe?
Describe the condition of Italy at the beginning of the thirteenth century.
How does the political conflict in Italy resemble some of the present conflicts in today's world? How is it different?
Why did …show more content…
Why? How?
Who are the simoniacs? How are they punished?
Simoniacs are those whp bought or sold pardons for the church, and are punished by having their heads stuck in a pit.
Which pope does Dante first meet here? Why does he deserve this punishment?
For whom is the first pope looking? Why?
Who does this first pope prophesy will be the third for this place?
To what historical event does Dante attribute the beginning of corruption in the Church?
Describe the punishment of fortune tellers, as described in Canto 20. What famous Greek seer does Dante meet at this Point?
Why does Virgil again scold Dante for showing pity?
Why is sticky pitch an appropriate punishment for grafters?
Cantos 2l and 22 are often called the gargoyle- cantos. Why?
Why does Virgil hide Dante when they first enter the circle of grafters?
In Canto 22, there is an extended military image. Describe it.
Why are the hypocrites' cloaks appropriate?
Who are four hypocrites named here?
As Dante and Virgil escape to the next bolgia, why can't the devils follow them?
Why do the thieves deserve their punishments?
What did Vanni Fucci do?
What prophecy does he make about
Background information:
How did the great Roman Empire come to be divided between East and West?
When Charlemagne was crowned the Holy Roman Emperor, offending the Byzantines and was fully recognized to split in 1054.
Why were the years after the split in the western empire called the "Dark Ages"?
Because nearly all forms of organization present due to the presence of the Empire fell apart, sending Europe into disarray for hundreds of years.
What was the basis of the pope's claim to complete temporal jurisdiction over all of Western Europe?
Describe the condition of Italy at the beginning of the thirteenth century.
How does the political conflict in Italy resemble some of the present conflicts in today's world? How is it different?
Why did …show more content…
Why? How?
Who are the simoniacs? How are they punished?
Simoniacs are those whp bought or sold pardons for the church, and are punished by having their heads stuck in a pit.
Which pope does Dante first meet here? Why does he deserve this punishment?
For whom is the first pope looking? Why?
Who does this first pope prophesy will be the third for this place?
To what historical event does Dante attribute the beginning of corruption in the Church?
Describe the punishment of fortune tellers, as described in Canto 20. What famous Greek seer does Dante meet at this Point?
Why does Virgil again scold Dante for showing pity?
Why is sticky pitch an appropriate punishment for grafters?
Cantos 2l and 22 are often called the gargoyle- cantos. Why?
Why does Virgil hide Dante when they first enter the circle of grafters?
In Canto 22, there is an extended military image. Describe it.
Why are the hypocrites' cloaks appropriate?
Who are four hypocrites named here?
As Dante and Virgil escape to the next bolgia, why can't the devils follow them?
Why do the thieves deserve their punishments?
What did Vanni Fucci do?
What prophecy does he make about