Dante's Inferno: Cantos XIX, XXI, XXV, and XXVI - Prophecy, Sacrilege, and Poetic Hubris

Explore a comprehensive lecture from Yale University's "Dante in Translation" course, focusing on Cantos XIX and XXVI of Inferno. Delve into the historical context of simony and its connection to Dante's prophetic voice. Examine the fine line between prophecy and profanation in Cantos XXIV and XXV, and analyze Dante's tragic revision of Ulysses' journey in Canto XXVI. Learn about the dangers and risks of Dante's poetic vocation, the contiguity of the sacred and profane, and the poet's struggle with poetic hubris. Gain insights through discussions on Brunetto Latini, the writer of epistles, and the aesthetic temptation in Canto XV. Conclude with a question and answer session to deepen your understanding of these complex themes in Dante's work.