Christina and Kauser's Journey Through the Inferno

A biography of Dante Alighieri: Dante was born around May 29, 1265 in Italy. In 1274, He met and fell in love with Beatrice Portinari. In 1283 his father died, and he married Gemma Donati - with whom he had four children. A few years later, Beatrice died, and Dante was really sad. He threatened to commit suicide, but then thought about how he would be leaving his fatherless children behind. In 1292 he wrote "Vita Nuova." Then Dante became very involved with the government of Italy. He met with several kings from all over Europe, and then joined the guild of apothecaries to enter public life. In 1301 he was sent to Rome as an envoy to Pope Boniface VIII. Later that year, the ruling powers of Italy were overthrown, and Dante was banished. Finally, in 1314, Dante published his greatest work--The Inferno! Tragically, in 1321, Dante became deathly ill on his return from Venice, and died soon after.
Dante's Four Levels of Interpretation of a Literary Work: 1) Literarly: comprehension of only the story and plot itself 2) Allegoricaly: the reader is able to uncover hidden meanings of the story (ex. number symbolism, paradoxes, etc.) 3) Morally: can relate themes in the novel to matters of human nature 4) Anagolically: only the most sophisticated readers...pertained to the absolute and universal truths contained in the work Dante also believed that Christina and Kauser are the coolest people on earth. This too is a universal truth, and cannot be refuted. Kauser and Christina's Critique/Advice: Dante's Inferno is a very intricate and complex allegory. Every little part of the story signifies something. For this reason it is very important that you carefully read. This is not a story that you can skim through. Trust us, we tried and it didn't work. There is a lot of depth and symbolism throughout. Look for hidden meanings and analyze every little bit. Overall, we found this work very interesting and entertaining. It taught us several moral lessons which we will not reveal since that would give away the whole purpose of the poem.

Symbolism   in   the   Inferno

Symbolism of numbers plays an important part in the Inferno. The number: 3=trinity, power, wisdom, love, faith, hope, and charity. 1=100 cantos 4=seasons, elements, cardinal virtues. This number combines with 3 to create thermystical seven, days of creation, days of the week, virtues, and planets. -Multiple of 3-3 times three equal 9 create permutaions, choirs of angels, and circles of hell. -Series of #9 is associated with Beatrice transformed into an angel who guides and protects him. He says 'She is a nine that's a miracle.' Dante's view on sin: Dante felt that sin was irrational, mysterious, and complicated. A sinner in Dante's hell is wrapped up in what his/her sin was. He felt that hell was made by God out of power, wisdom, and love. The suffering and eternal pain of the sinner is due to their own making. The Circles: Wait, we're not going to tell you...we didn't have web pages to help us cheat during this class, so you can't either. Ha Ha Ha! Welcome to Internet Hell!


Favorite Links

AP Homepage!:
The Artist's Web Site:
Kauser is Indian - a web site about India =):
Christina is Greek - a web site about Greece =):
Dante's Inferno Link:
More Inferno:
Even More Inferno:

Christina and Kauser's Farewell Message

Christina's Message I will be attending the George Washington Univerisity in Washington DC this fall where I will be studying International Relations. I would like to wish the Brookfield Central High School Class of 1998 the best of luck in their future endeavors. If anyone is ever in Washington DC, they better come visit me. I'm going to be all alone in a big city! Thank you for all the memories, I love you guys and good luck! I can be reached via email at cdemac@aol.com Kauser's Message Time really does fly by...I'm going to remember each and every one of you in a very special way. Thank you for all the memories, and GOOD LUCK class of 1998. I'm going to miss you!!! Hey, remember to keep in touch so I can invite all of you to my wedding!! my e-mail adress is: kaus27@yahoo.com
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