Thank you, Dr Tony, for explaining the bigger picture, i.e. the structure of ante-purgatory and purgatory. As a first-time reader, I could have done with hearing such an explanation last week or the previous week, but I'm thankful for having heard it now, as I'm finding it harder to follow where we are in the Purgatorio than I did for the Inferno
Many of the cantos of The Divine Comedy seem to be written for our time. Canto 6 must be at the very top of the list in terms of relevance to today. Dr. Osborne's presentation hit the mark for me - his reference to Aristophanes as a source and to the abolitionist Wendell Phillips's 1861 speech as an example of Dante's language sent me scrambling to the internet for a closer examination. Thank you, Dr. Osborne!
Thank you Dr. Osborne for a very energetic presentation. The Purgatorio cantos seem to be more difficult than those of the Inferno and this one in particular was difficult to follow. I read it twice and also viewed your presentation twice but it seems like there is a dizzying cliff that separates my understanding from the narrative. It literally feels like the mountain of Purgatorio is getting steeper.
Canto 06: Like a winner in a dice game, Dante is surrounded by fans who want something from him. In this case it is not a share of his winnings but a request that he solicit prayers for them from those still living. Dante reminds himself that Virgil once wrote that prayer had no influence on the actions of the gods towards humans and asks his mentor if he still believes this: are the requests of the penitents made in vain? Virgil replies that the gods he wrote about were different from the Christian God and prayer had no place in forgiveness at that time. He advises Dante to ask Beatrice, whom he will meet between Purgatory and Paradise, to explain more about this issue, since she is more blessed in both knowledge and understanding. In response, Dante urges that they move faster. Virgil replies that the climb will take time, since they must rest at night, a condition not known in Hell. They meet a dignified soul who indicates he is from Mantua. Virgil embraces his fellow Mantuan as only spirits can. The spirit is Sordello, who wrote poetry on the futility of warfare. Dante, the poet, is inspired to digress on the wars of the city-states and the Empire and how their leaders have failed to establish peace. He also questions how tyrants can be part of God’s plan. Although he views his native Florence to be equal to ancient Athens, he continues his diatribe regarding his city’s failures to preserve what was good about the ancient world.
All right - you guys have sold me on the wide reaching influence of Dante's work on western culture. But are we claiming acknowledged reference to Dante or simply an expression of ideas that are similar to ones he imagined or reimagined, like the ship without a pilot. I'm not sure that I would find an orator from 1861 or President George W. Bush mentioning Dante by name in the speeches cited. Are we just going to accept the idea that Dante's work is so influential that it has permeated the consciousness of the entire world without requiring direct connection between Dante and those persons using the ideas? I am grateful, however, for the use of examples from more recent history than some of the other experience readers have used. Finally a reference to something or someone that lived during a period of time I studied during my graduate years!
I would like to say I have a better understanding of Purgatory now but I feel as if I'm climbing its mountain and terraces with Virgil and Dante. Still, I climb higher.
Loved your talk connecting the chaotic world of Dante to our world. Mankind has not changed and I understand Dante’s frustration.
Thank you, Dr Tony, for explaining the bigger picture, i.e. the structure of ante-purgatory and purgatory. As a first-time reader, I could have done with hearing such an explanation last week or the previous week, but I'm thankful for having heard it now, as I'm finding it harder to follow where we are in the Purgatorio than I did for the Inferno
Many of the cantos of The Divine Comedy seem to be written for our time. Canto 6 must be at the very top of the list in terms of relevance to today. Dr. Osborne's presentation hit the mark for me - his reference to Aristophanes as a source and to the abolitionist Wendell Phillips's 1861 speech as an example of Dante's language sent me scrambling to the internet for a closer examination. Thank you, Dr. Osborne!
I wish he was the interpreter/narrator of all the comedians. Such a fresh, intuitive reading. Thank you
Relevant to the world today
Thank you Dr. Osborne for a very energetic presentation. The Purgatorio cantos seem to be more difficult than those of the Inferno and this one in particular was difficult to follow. I read it twice and also viewed your presentation twice but it seems like there is a dizzying cliff that separates my understanding from the narrative. It literally feels like the mountain of Purgatorio is getting steeper.
Bravo! A great presentation and insightful understanding of the complexities of Cantos 6.
I loved this very personal take on the implications of the politics of the canto. I think of it as theocracy v the separation of church and state.
Great recap of the journey so far, and equally great summary of the Canto. This one was getting me emotional while reading it.
I wish there was a full version of the intro/closing song used for these videos.
For my part, I am understanding this is a timeless literary work. Great presentation.
By Jove! This commentary was 🔥!
I couldn’t get enough of the professor’s illuminated and passionate insights. Well done 👏👏👏
Very good Lecture. The lesson he shares he is something we need to listen to more. Really really good job. One of the better lectures in the series.
A great overview. Thank you!
Very interesting reading and different from previous discussions.
That was impressive. Great insight. Thanks for sharing.
Fascinating and enlightening! Excellent!
Brilliant.
Canto 06: Like a winner in a dice game, Dante is surrounded by fans who want something from him. In this case it is not a share of his winnings but a request that he solicit prayers for them from those still living. Dante reminds himself that Virgil once wrote that prayer had no influence on the actions of the gods towards humans and asks his mentor if he still believes this: are the requests of the penitents made in vain? Virgil replies that the gods he wrote about were different from the Christian God and prayer had no place in forgiveness at that time. He advises Dante to ask Beatrice, whom he will meet between Purgatory and Paradise, to explain more about this issue, since she is more blessed in both knowledge and understanding. In response, Dante urges that they move faster. Virgil replies that the climb will take time, since they must rest at night, a condition not known in Hell. They meet a dignified soul who indicates he is from Mantua. Virgil embraces his fellow Mantuan as only spirits can. The spirit is Sordello, who wrote poetry on the futility of warfare. Dante, the poet, is inspired to digress on the wars of the city-states and the Empire and how their leaders have failed to establish peace. He also questions how tyrants can be part of God’s plan. Although he views his native Florence to be equal to ancient Athens, he continues his diatribe regarding his city’s failures to preserve what was good about the ancient world.
All right - you guys have sold me on the wide reaching influence of Dante's work on western culture. But are we claiming acknowledged reference to Dante or simply an expression of ideas that are similar to ones he imagined or reimagined, like the ship without a pilot. I'm not sure that I would find an orator from 1861 or President George W. Bush mentioning Dante by name in the speeches cited. Are we just going to accept the idea that Dante's work is so influential that it has permeated the consciousness of the entire world without requiring direct connection between Dante and those persons using the ideas? I am grateful, however, for the use of examples from more recent history than some of the other experience readers have used. Finally a reference to something or someone that lived during a period of time I studied during my graduate years!
I would like to say I have a better understanding of Purgatory now but I feel as if I'm climbing its mountain and terraces with Virgil and Dante. Still, I climb higher.
Why so angry? We like you.