Dante's Divine Comedy: Paradise Cantos XV-XVII - Cacciaguida and Exile - Lecture 19

Explore a lecture from Yale University's "Dante in Translation" course focusing on Paradise cantos XV-XVII and Dante's encounter with his ancestor Cacciaguida. Delve into the complex relationship between history, self, and exile as presented in these cantos. Examine how Dante shifts between different historiographic modes, from epic grandeur to localized medieval chronicles. Analyze the use of mythological father-son references and their connection to genealogy and history. Investigate how the prophecy of Dante's exile challenges traditional notions of self and history, ultimately redeeming exile as a means of historical reengagement. Gain insights into the linguistic aspects of these cantos and participate in a question-and-answer session to deepen your understanding of this pivotal section of Dante's Divine Comedy.