A Countryside of Sorrow: The Sixth Circle (The Heretics) Feraco Myth to Science Fiction 29 November 2011

Canto IX: Data File Setting: The Gate of Dis and the Sixth CircleSetting: The Gate of Dis and the Sixth Circle Figures: Furies (Erinyes), Heavenly MessengerFigures: Furies (Erinyes), Heavenly Messenger Allusions: Medusa (the Gorgon), Theseus, Hercules, ErichthoAllusions: Medusa (the Gorgon), Theseus, Hercules, Erichtho Punishable Sin: HeresyPunishable Sin: Heresy Summary: Dante and Virgil wait for the Messenger as the Furies menace them. Suddenly, he appears, throwing open the gate with ease and rebuking those who would oppose the poets. Dante and Virgil walk into the Sixth Circle, a realm resembling a giant flaming cemetery with fiery tombs stretching out in every direction. The Canto ends as Dante listens to the anguished screams of the Heretics’ trapped souls.Summary: Dante and Virgil wait for the Messenger as the Furies menace them. Suddenly, he appears, throwing open the gate with ease and rebuking those who would oppose the poets. Dante and Virgil walk into the Sixth Circle, a realm resembling a giant flaming cemetery with fiery tombs stretching out in every direction. The Canto ends as Dante listens to the anguished screams of the Heretics’ trapped souls.

Dis Dante describes the lower four circles as a walled city (although it’s a city that just so happens to be funnel-shaped, so the walls guard the entrance) called DisDante describes the lower four circles as a walled city (although it’s a city that just so happens to be funnel-shaped, so the walls guard the entrance) called Dis Dis was one of Pluto’s alternative names, and classical Hell was sometimes simply called Dis (in The Aeneid, for instance)Dis was one of Pluto’s alternative names, and classical Hell was sometimes simply called Dis (in The Aeneid, for instance) –If Dante’s using the same traditions, Dis can stand for both Satan and the realms closest to him (with Satan at the heart of them) Once again, Dante provides wonderful physical descriptions – great gouts of flame, imposing watchtowers, a well- guarded entrance – that his predecessors failed to includeOnce again, Dante provides wonderful physical descriptions – great gouts of flame, imposing watchtowers, a well- guarded entrance – that his predecessors failed to include

The Furies The Furies (Megaera, Tisiphone, and Allecto, who are also called Erinyes in Ciardi’s translation) are the first creatures we encounter who not only defy Virgil, but threaten him openly.The Furies (Megaera, Tisiphone, and Allecto, who are also called Erinyes in Ciardi’s translation) are the first creatures we encounter who not only defy Virgil, but threaten him openly. They were commonly used in Greek mythology and medieval stories to signify any number of evils or sins: pride, stubbornness, treachery, heresy, etc.They were commonly used in Greek mythology and medieval stories to signify any number of evils or sins: pride, stubbornness, treachery, heresy, etc. –This makes them appropriate gatekeepers in Dante’s Hell. Allecto symbolizes evil thought, Tisiphone symbolizes evil words, and Megaera symbolizes evil deedsAllecto symbolizes evil thought, Tisiphone symbolizes evil words, and Megaera symbolizes evil deeds

The Furies (Cont’d) As Dante depicts them, the “daughters of Night” are covered in blood, with snakes substituting for hair, tearing at themselves in their uncontrollable rage – a perfect bridge between wrath and violenceAs Dante depicts them, the “daughters of Night” are covered in blood, with snakes substituting for hair, tearing at themselves in their uncontrollable rage – a perfect bridge between wrath and violence They were also used frequently as a means of exacting revenge on behalf of offended parties both mortal and divine.They were also used frequently as a means of exacting revenge on behalf of offended parties both mortal and divine. –Dido, for example, calls on the Furies in a rage when Aeneas abandons her Allecto plays a prominent role near the end of The Aeneid, when her interference directly affects the outcome of the final battleAllecto plays a prominent role near the end of The Aeneid, when her interference directly affects the outcome of the final battle

Medusa Medusa also has snakes for hair (rather famously), but her story is a bit differentMedusa also has snakes for hair (rather famously), but her story is a bit different While the Furies are basically embodiments of evil, Medusa was punished for a specific wrongdoingWhile the Furies are basically embodiments of evil, Medusa was punished for a specific wrongdoing –Athena witnessed her consummating an affair with Poseidon in her temple and transformed her beauty into extreme ugliness Not only did she now have snakes for hair, but she became so frightening to witness that those who looked directly at her would be petrified – literally turned to stoneNot only did she now have snakes for hair, but she became so frightening to witness that those who looked directly at her would be petrified – literally turned to stone Medusa and her sisters (collectively called the Gorgons) were exiled to an island, where the Greek hero Perseus attacked and decapitated her while on a quest; he carried out his attack by looking at her reflection in his shield rather than by staring directly at herMedusa and her sisters (collectively called the Gorgons) were exiled to an island, where the Greek hero Perseus attacked and decapitated her while on a quest; he carried out his attack by looking at her reflection in his shield rather than by staring directly at her

The Heavenly Messenger Although he’s a divine presence, it’s never clear who the Messenger is supposed to beAlthough he’s a divine presence, it’s never clear who the Messenger is supposed to be His appearance reassures Dante, who’d been growing understandably nervous about Virgil’s ability to protect him; by walking on water and throwing open the gate of Dis, the Messenger seems Christ-like enough to defuse further worryHis appearance reassures Dante, who’d been growing understandably nervous about Virgil’s ability to protect him; by walking on water and throwing open the gate of Dis, the Messenger seems Christ-like enough to defuse further worry The visit underscores the divine plan behind Dante’s travels; even if he doesn’t always understand where he’s going, the poet can rest assured that God/Mary/Beatrice wants him to goThe visit underscores the divine plan behind Dante’s travels; even if he doesn’t always understand where he’s going, the poet can rest assured that God/Mary/Beatrice wants him to go

Theseus Theseus was a famous Greek hero, known primarily for slaying the Minotaur (a half- man/half-beast we’ll meet as we draw closer to the Seventh Circle) in Minos’s LabyrinthTheseus was a famous Greek hero, known primarily for slaying the Minotaur (a half- man/half-beast we’ll meet as we draw closer to the Seventh Circle) in Minos’s Labyrinth Later, he attempted to capture Persephone (the queen in classic Hell), and was imprisoned in Hell after failingLater, he attempted to capture Persephone (the queen in classic Hell), and was imprisoned in Hell after failing The Furies mention that they wish they’d killed him when they’d had the chance (to serve as a warning to others)The Furies mention that they wish they’d killed him when they’d had the chance (to serve as a warning to others) Hercules ventures into the underworld in order to save him, which means mortals have crossed this way before – something the messenger points out to the demonsHercules ventures into the underworld in order to save him, which means mortals have crossed this way before – something the messenger points out to the demons

Hercules Most of you are familiar with his exploits; he’s mentioned here in conjunction with TheseusMost of you are familiar with his exploits; he’s mentioned here in conjunction with Theseus The Heavenly Messenger refers to Cerberus’s still-unhealed neck wound, which he sustained when Hercules dragged him across Hell via the chain he’d been forced to wear, as a way of discouraging the demons from resistingThe Heavenly Messenger refers to Cerberus’s still-unhealed neck wound, which he sustained when Hercules dragged him across Hell via the chain he’d been forced to wear, as a way of discouraging the demons from resisting The Aeneid also references Hercules when Charon refuses to take Aeneas across, expressing anger at having been forced to transport Hercules and Theseus into the underworld in the pastThe Aeneid also references Hercules when Charon refuses to take Aeneas across, expressing anger at having been forced to transport Hercules and Theseus into the underworld in the past

Erichtho Virgil mentions that Erichtho forced him to retrieve a soul from the Ninth Circle soon after he diedVirgil mentions that Erichtho forced him to retrieve a soul from the Ninth Circle soon after he died Erichtho was a bloodthirsty witch who Dante takes from Lucan’s Pharsalia; there, Erichtho hijacks the soul of a newly-killed soldier in order to force him to reveal future events in that story’s civil warErichtho was a bloodthirsty witch who Dante takes from Lucan’s Pharsalia; there, Erichtho hijacks the soul of a newly-killed soldier in order to force him to reveal future events in that story’s civil war The sorceress’s relationship with the poet here plays with the medieval belief that Virgil must have had prophetic powers himself (especially when it came to the “Christ poem” in Eclogues)The sorceress’s relationship with the poet here plays with the medieval belief that Virgil must have had prophetic powers himself (especially when it came to the “Christ poem” in Eclogues)

Canto X: Data File Setting: The Sixth CircleSetting: The Sixth Circle Figures: Farinata degli Uberti, Cavalcante dei CavalcantiFigures: Farinata degli Uberti, Cavalcante dei Cavalcanti Allusions: Guido Cavalcanti, Epicurus, Frederick IIAllusions: Guido Cavalcanti, Epicurus, Frederick II Punishable Sin: HeresyPunishable Sin: Heresy Summary: As the poets venture onward, one of the souls, Farinata, speaks with them. Dante quickly begins debating politics with him, but the two are interrupted by the appearance of another soul, Cavalcante. Dante accidentally implies that the latter’s son has died, and the father quickly leaves in anguish. Farinata continues talking, telling Dante how the dead can see the future. As Dante leaves, he asks Farinata to tell Cavalcante his son is still alive.Summary: As the poets venture onward, one of the souls, Farinata, speaks with them. Dante quickly begins debating politics with him, but the two are interrupted by the appearance of another soul, Cavalcante. Dante accidentally implies that the latter’s son has died, and the father quickly leaves in anguish. Farinata continues talking, telling Dante how the dead can see the future. As Dante leaves, he asks Farinata to tell Cavalcante his son is still alive.

Heresy and Its Punishment By “heresy,” Dante refers to teachings that directly contradict those of the medieval Christian churchBy “heresy,” Dante refers to teachings that directly contradict those of the medieval Christian church He focuses on those who deny the immortality of the soul, arguing instead that death is the end of usHe focuses on those who deny the immortality of the soul, arguing instead that death is the end of us The Heretics lie trapped within coffins which are then set ablaze; some of the lids are set ajar, but most shades aren’t allowed to rise from their tombsThe Heretics lie trapped within coffins which are then set ablaze; some of the lids are set ajar, but most shades aren’t allowed to rise from their tombs They denied the soul’s immortality in life, arguing that it perished with the bodyThey denied the soul’s immortality in life, arguing that it perished with the body Therefore, their souls will exist within graves foreverTherefore, their souls will exist within graves forever

Epicurus Dante specifically identifies the Heretics as EpicureansDante specifically identifies the Heretics as Epicureans Epicurus was an ancient Greek philosopher who taught that pleasure – peace, passion, and painless living – represents the highest human goodEpicurus was an ancient Greek philosopher who taught that pleasure – peace, passion, and painless living – represents the highest human good Dante condemns him and his followers for believing both body and soul were mortalDante condemns him and his followers for believing both body and soul were mortal

Farinata degli Uberto Farinata was a Ghibelline leader who successfully reconquered the city after being exiled earlier.Farinata was a Ghibelline leader who successfully reconquered the city after being exiled earlier. When the Guelfs took back control after his death, they specifically refused to forgive him.When the Guelfs took back control after his death, they specifically refused to forgive him. Instead, they declared him a heretic, dug up his body (as well as his wife) and burned them, confiscated his heir’s possessions, and excommunicated himInstead, they declared him a heretic, dug up his body (as well as his wife) and burned them, confiscated his heir’s possessions, and excommunicated him This isn’t very grateful of them, considering he was the only reason Florence wasn’t burned to the ground once the Ghibellines took overThis isn’t very grateful of them, considering he was the only reason Florence wasn’t burned to the ground once the Ghibellines took over –He had to stand up to the people he’d fought side by side with In an odd way, Dante, an exile himself, respects Farinata despite their irreconcilable political differences and worldviewsIn an odd way, Dante, an exile himself, respects Farinata despite their irreconcilable political differences and worldviews –He disagrees with everything he stands for, yet recognizes that he, too, loved Florence more than politics

Cavalcante dei Cavalcanti Cavalcante, like Dante, is a Guelf, but his family was much more powerfulCavalcante, like Dante, is a Guelf, but his family was much more powerful In an effort to lessen Guelf/Ghibelline hostilities, Cavalcante married off his son to Farinata’s daughter; that son was Guido Cavalcanti, who would become Dante’s “oldest friend”In an effort to lessen Guelf/Ghibelline hostilities, Cavalcante married off his son to Farinata’s daughter; that son was Guido Cavalcanti, who would become Dante’s “oldest friend” Like Farinata, Cavalcante represents the blending of family and politics – yet another element of passion and instability in the unstable Florentine political scene (as if faith and governmental structure weren’t controversial enough on their own)Like Farinata, Cavalcante represents the blending of family and politics – yet another element of passion and instability in the unstable Florentine political scene (as if faith and governmental structure weren’t controversial enough on their own)

Guido Cavalcanti We’ve met Guido before, way back in “Into the Inferno”; he’s the same man who befriended Dante and helped guide him during the beginning of his career, only to end up leading the Bianchi faction when tensions split the ruling Guelfs (which, in the end, forced Dante to banish him)We’ve met Guido before, way back in “Into the Inferno”; he’s the same man who befriended Dante and helped guide him during the beginning of his career, only to end up leading the Bianchi faction when tensions split the ruling Guelfs (which, in the end, forced Dante to banish him) At this point in the story, Guido is still alive; if we take Virgil’s reading of the skies at face value, it’s somewhere in April 1300, and Dante wouldn’t serve as a prior until June 15thAt this point in the story, Guido is still alive; if we take Virgil’s reading of the skies at face value, it’s somewhere in April 1300, and Dante wouldn’t serve as a prior until June 15th After his banishment, Guido grew very sick due to the awful climate of the region where he was sent, and passed away in August 1300After his banishment, Guido grew very sick due to the awful climate of the region where he was sent, and passed away in August 1300

Guido Cavalcanti (Cont’d) While the two men were friends, they held radically different views of love; Guido’s work argued that love was, as Raffa puts it, “a dark force that leads one to misery and often to death”While the two men were friends, they held radically different views of love; Guido’s work argued that love was, as Raffa puts it, “a dark force that leads one to misery and often to death” –Now consider how Dante sees love, as well as how it’s treated in The Inferno He points out that Guido “held in disdain” someone related to his travels, which implies that his friend didn’t understand how Beatrice could be so important to himHe points out that Guido “held in disdain” someone related to his travels, which implies that his friend didn’t understand how Beatrice could be so important to him It’s also implied that Guido will end up in the realm of the Heretics when he dies, seemingly because he denies love’s importance (for it’s the thing that animates the immortal soul)It’s also implied that Guido will end up in the realm of the Heretics when he dies, seemingly because he denies love’s importance (for it’s the thing that animates the immortal soul)

Frederick II Frederick was the last Holy Roman Emperor, although he was excommunicated twice before his death; hard evidence of his wrongdoings is scant, so Dante’s probably just following the accusations of Frederick’s foes by placing him hereFrederick was the last Holy Roman Emperor, although he was excommunicated twice before his death; hard evidence of his wrongdoings is scant, so Dante’s probably just following the accusations of Frederick’s foes by placing him here Even though Dante puts him in Hell here, he writes favorably of him in other works; his artistic court in Palermo was responsible for a great deal of advancement in everything from science to musicEven though Dante puts him in Hell here, he writes favorably of him in other works; his artistic court in Palermo was responsible for a great deal of advancement in everything from science to music That course eventually spawned the first major Italian vernacular poetic movement, the Sicilian School; they’re the ones who invented the sonnet, and the traditions they established greatly influenced Dante as a young man (who would go on to influence others by using the Italian vernacular instead of Latin to write works such as The Inferno)That course eventually spawned the first major Italian vernacular poetic movement, the Sicilian School; they’re the ones who invented the sonnet, and the traditions they established greatly influenced Dante as a young man (who would go on to influence others by using the Italian vernacular instead of Latin to write works such as The Inferno)

Foresight Farinata states that the dead can see the future, but that events grow less clear as they approach the presentFarinata states that the dead can see the future, but that events grow less clear as they approach the present Think of it as a form of farsightedness – the things that lie at a distance look clearestThink of it as a form of farsightedness – the things that lie at a distance look clearest Dante believes that time ends when the final Judgment arrivesDante believes that time ends when the final Judgment arrives Since there will be no future, the souls will no longer be able to perceive anything except their sufferingSince there will be no future, the souls will no longer be able to perceive anything except their suffering

Canto XI: Data File Setting: The Sixth CircleSetting: The Sixth Circle Allusions: Pope Anastasius IIAllusions: Pope Anastasius II Punishable Sin: HeresyPunishable Sin: Heresy Summary: The poets stop at a massive rockslide at the edge of the Sixth Circle; the rocks were displaced during the great earthquake that shook Hell on the day Christ died. The smell from the circles below is so powerful that the poets hide behind a giant tomb in order to allow themselves to get used to it. Virgil then explains Lower Hell’s structure to Dante (and, by extension, us). The Canto ends with the poets making their way down the rock pile and into the Seventh Circle.Summary: The poets stop at a massive rockslide at the edge of the Sixth Circle; the rocks were displaced during the great earthquake that shook Hell on the day Christ died. The smell from the circles below is so powerful that the poets hide behind a giant tomb in order to allow themselves to get used to it. Virgil then explains Lower Hell’s structure to Dante (and, by extension, us). The Canto ends with the poets making their way down the rock pile and into the Seventh Circle.

Lower Hell Dante uses Aristotlean guidelines for organizing his Hell: first incontinence, then brutishness, and, finally, malice.Dante uses Aristotlean guidelines for organizing his Hell: first incontinence, then brutishness, and, finally, malice. –Fraud is worst because only humans commit it (deception through prior intent) –Incontinence is mildest because most of the things we want to enjoy immoderately (lovers, good food, etc.) aren’t negative in and of themselves There’s no place within it for the Vestibule, Limbo, or, really, the Sixth Circle (what is heresy?)There’s no place within it for the Vestibule, Limbo, or, really, the Sixth Circle (what is heresy?) –How does Dante account for them? Raffa speculates that these three areas are separated because their “faults” are each based in the intellect, and are each based on not doing something (worshipping correctly, building a moral code, or believing in God).Raffa speculates that these three areas are separated because their “faults” are each based in the intellect, and are each based on not doing something (worshipping correctly, building a moral code, or believing in God).

Pope Anastasius II He served during the fifth century. The inscription above his tomb reads, “I hold Pope Anastasius, whom Photinus drew from the Straight Way”He served during the fifth century. The inscription above his tomb reads, “I hold Pope Anastasius, whom Photinus drew from the Straight Way” Photinus was a deacon who supported the emperor Anastasius I. The emperor sought to restore the reputation of a man named Acacius who had denied Christ’s divine origin. In order to lend support to the effort, Photinus convinced the pope to back himPhotinus was a deacon who supported the emperor Anastasius I. The emperor sought to restore the reputation of a man named Acacius who had denied Christ’s divine origin. In order to lend support to the effort, Photinus convinced the pope to back him The problem, of course, is that the denial of Christ’s divine origin amounted to heresy in medieval times; by lending his support to the emperor’s effort, Anastasius II had committed heresy himself (hence the inscription)The problem, of course, is that the denial of Christ’s divine origin amounted to heresy in medieval times; by lending his support to the emperor’s effort, Anastasius II had committed heresy himself (hence the inscription) Dante, upholding the medieval Christian code, punishes Anastasius II by placing him here with the rest of the heretics – and by denying him even the dignity of an appearanceDante, upholding the medieval Christian code, punishes Anastasius II by placing him here with the rest of the heretics – and by denying him even the dignity of an appearance