OVERVIEW

Theresa Kenney is an Associate Professor of English at the University of Dallas. She is an expert in Dante, metaphysical poetry, and 19th century literature.

Questions for Reflection

• How does Argenti try to evoke Dante’s pity by describing himself as “the one who weeps”? Why is Dante’s harsh outburst against Argenti praiseworthy?
• Why would Virgil invoke Luke 11:27’s description of Christ in praise of Dante’s vengeful attitude toward Argenti?
• Dante invokes us the readers in 8.94. Why does he intentionally bring us into the narrative at this point?
• How does Virgil fail as Dante’s guide at the end of the canto? What might this tell us about Virgil’s limitations as a teacher and of the limitations of pagan wisdom?