1. Canto 1 – The Dark Wood of Error
Setting – Easter season (I.40-42), Dante is 35 (I.1), sees sun rise over Mount of Joy (I.16-21), but turns away when he gets distracted by three beasts blocking his way, representing obstacles:
Leopard
Lion
She-wolf
A figure appears = VIRGIL, symbol of human reason ( ).
Virgil sent to guide Dantes back to the True Way again.
Sent by BEATRICE (I ).
Funk

2. Canto 2 – The Descent Setting = Good Friday of Easter Season
Dante tired – does not really want to go on journey (II.31-42).
BEATRICE’S request to Virgil: “my dearest friend…turns afraid from the True Way, and news of him in Heaven rumors my dread his already lost. Fly to him and with your high counsel, pity, and with whatever need be for his good and soul’s salvation, help him, and solace me…Love called me here” (II.61-72).
Beatrice’s pity and love gives Dante the courage to proceed on journey (II ).
Funk

3. Canto 3 – The Vestibule of Hell “The Opportunists”
Terrain: Virgil leads Dante through gate into hell; met with “sighs and cries and wails…a confusion of tongues…in pain and anger” (III.22-25). Turns into the shore of Acheron River.
Sin: Lack of commitment (Served only themselves) – They were “neither for God nor Satan” (III.36).
Punishment: Sinners caught up forever in dirty whirlwind, running naked in a swarm of wasps and hornets, chasing empty banner (III.29, 49-50, 62). Worms below eat tears, blood, and pus (III.64-66).
Fits Crime: Those unwilling to shed their blood for a cause in life now do so unwillingly, which falls to the ground as food for worms.
Sinners: those who made the “Great Denial” (Pope Celestine V – failed to protect church to save himself III.57)
Reaction: “holding my head in horror” (30); “in a swoon, I stumbled into darkness and went down” (113-14).
Other important people, objects, monsters:
Gate of Hell: “Abandon all hope, ye who enter here” (III.9).
Charon: Ferryman for souls; refuses D (living) passage
Acheron- the first of the rivers of hell
Funk