As Dante and Virgil approach the second circle of Hell, they are greeted by the man/serpent Minos. Minos acts as sort of a doorman, judge, and travel agent for the souls of the damned. The souls approach him, and in a mockery of confession tell him their sins. Minos then passes judgement on them, displaying the circle of Hell they are condemned to by how many times he wraps his tail around himself.
Dante and Virgil are allowed to pass into the second circle of Hell, the circle of the lustful. Here the souls of the lustful are caught up (often together) in an eternal, violent, dark storm, bumping up and down as birds in a tornado.
Dante sees many souls he recognizes including Cleopatra, Achilles, and Helen of Troy. Dante and Virgil then spend time speaking to one adulterous couple who Dante is familiar with. The conversation is with two of the most famous characters in the Divine Comedy, Paolo and Francesca.
Dante spends some time talking to one couple swirling in the wind, locked together for eternity. They are Paolo and Francesca.
Dante spends some time talking to one couple swirling in the wind, locked together for eternity. They are Paolo and Francesca, lovers, famous even in Dante’s time. Unfortunately, Paolo was not married to Francesca, he was her brother in law and was murdered by her husband, caught in the act.
Next – The Gluttons
Dave,
Thank you for putting these pages together. I am interested in improving my appreciation for Dante. I like poetry but not so much the long poems. Anyway, I’m curious as to where you are getting those awesome pictures from. Care to share your source(s)?
Andrew Christ
This is really helping make Dante more accessible, thanks. Currently also deciphering T.S. Eliot’s the wasteland, possible to to an Eliot Explorer too? 🙂
Hi Dave. I’m glad across you blog. I love reading poetry specifically this genre. Poetry had been my relief. Do you have the full story of The Journey through afterlife?
Oh! I remembered my Literature class upon reading this post. Divine Comedy is one of my favorites. I actively participate during the discussions. I appreciate this post! Hope to read more from you.
Thanks so much for doing this, its really simple as I struggle reading the actual thing!