Dante's Inferno: Cantos XXVI-XXVIII - Rhetoric, Politics, and Divine Justice

Explore a comprehensive lecture on Dante's Inferno, focusing on Cantos XXVI, XXVII, and XXVIII. Delve into the ambivalent nature of Ulysses' sin and its relevance to Dante's poetic project. Examine the antithetical relationship between Ulysses and Guido da Montefeltro, discussing the interplay between rhetoric and politics. Analyze the principle of contrapasso introduced by Bertran de Born, and consider classical and contemporary theories of justice and punishment. Conclude with a reflection on the limitations of retributive justice as presented in the opening of Inferno XXIX. Gain insights through a question and answer session, enhancing understanding of Dante's masterpiece and its enduring relevance.