The Divine Comedy - Inferno II

Dante Alighieri was an Italian writer and philosopher from Florence. Thought to have been born around 1265. He is most recognised for his epic poem, The Divine Comedy or Commedia which many consider the greatest piece of literature in the Italian language which he wrote between 1308 and 1321. This scene takes students through the nine circles of Dante Alighieri’s Inferno, part of his poem, The Divine Comedy. Each sin can be explored through imagery which connects to the themes of the poem.


# Learning objectives


1: To understand the historical context of The Divine Comedy.{.info}

2: To describe the nature of the sins represented in Inferno.{.info}

3: To identify the key themes in Inferno.{.info}



# Early Life and Context{.objective .objective1}



The early life and occupation of Dante Alighieri is discussed as well as an overview of the political and religious conflicts that were taking place at the time. Students will be asked to enter the scene and explore the nine circles of Inferno to look for symbols and imagery associated with historical and philosophical figures.

# The Nine Circles of Inferno{.objective .objective2}



The nine circles of Inferno are outlined as the sins of limbo, lust, gluttony, greed, wrath, heresy, violence, fraud and treachery. The character of Virgil and his role in the poem is discussed. Students are encouraged to explore the nine circles in the scene, identify imagery associated with each sin, and consider the significance of the imagery and how it connects to the punishments.

# Choices and Consequences{.objective .objective3}



The themes of choice and consequence are discussed. The poem reflects on how our actions and choices can have eternal consequences. The idea that Inferno serves as not only a place of punishment, but a place of moral and spiritual reflection is explored. Students will be asked to consider how the punishments found in the nine circles could encourage repentance.

# Teacher Resources



**Download Teacher Notes**



[](https://avnfs.com/c4NmUbzynwrSnO-BkKTJf4mQXShDQKthdaBl0ANtYfI?size=1168108&type=application%2Fpdf&name=The+Divine+Comedy+-+Inferno+Teacher+Notes+1.pdf)



**Student Quiz Answers Document**


[](https://avnfs.com/ZoY4TG4qYFjpfu0mHEq3DNlgmVtL3pVGggmrV-k6MQQ?size=600375&type=application%2Fpdf&name=The+Divine+Comedy+-+Inferno+Teacher+Notes+2.pdf)



**Download Student Quiz Document**



[](https://avnfs.com/g-xMx0oo0DKAaN7PdsRyCT63UBlgOM6Fgt7WTPyDRv8?size=80727&type=application%2Fpdf&name=The+Divine+Comedy+-+Inferno+Teacher+Notes+3.pdf)