The Divine Comedy

 

After being off my feet a while, what better book to tackle than one of the greatest ever written? Taught in schools hundreds of years after it was first published, sometimes to the deep dismay of its students, and yet sometimes planting that perfect seed at the perfect time. 

There are numerous lectures, videos, and podcasts available where you can find the deep intellectual discourses you seek about this one. What I offer here is my experience and how Dante's greatest work impacted me, quite frankly in a way he exactly intended it to.  

The first time I read through the Divine Comedy, I read Mandelbaum's translation, stopping every Canto to read his notes and understand the many references, then taking my own notes. Laborious as dragging a sledge down a gravel road in hip waders, but I learned much that trip through. When it was over.... I was left looking around thinking "now what?"  Feeling like I'd really done something but not knowing quite what, I decided to look for a podcast to acquire more depth from this work and I eventually landed on a "booktuber,"  Tom LA Books.  Tom is an Italian who did a full series on the Divine Comedy, one Canto at a time.  Tom offers exactly what I was looking for; detailed breakdowns, historical backgrounds from an Italian's point of view, reviews of the characters encountered, and he also brings into play Italian customs and folklore that might not be so readily apparent. Very often he will also compare Dante's original Italian to the various translations and highlight the eloquence of Dante's original vernacular.  

Having found this, I was inspired to read through again unencumbered by any notes. Trying Ciardi's translation, I decided I would listen to a few episodes at a time from Tom, then read the corresponding Cantos. This gave a much more enjoyable flow this time.  I felt able to "feel the experience" of going down into the Inferno, climbing up Purgatory and being lofted into Paradise. Having Tom along for the journey was like hiring a private guide to show you all through the hidden ins and outs of Tuscany. 

This time through, I was able to feel the trepidation from passing into the gates of Hell and the fear of descending into Malabolge.  I was compelled to look at myself in the mirror more than once on that descent through the Inferno...and again on the climb up the slopes of Purgatory.  As Dante ascends up towards into the Empyrion, I have to admit, the path begins to dive headlong into  Mediaeval theology and it can be a bit more laborious in that regard, but it's never far from beautiful imagery and peace.  

Through all three books, it gave me an intense amount of contemplation, pushing me into introspection about my own life and faith and what path I wanted to be on. All of this being part of Dante's many intentions for his work.  

While you're on this journey, you're meeting historical figures from Dante's era, Ancient Romans, Ancient Greeks, Popes that aren't always cast in a good light, good princes, bad princes, and characters from mythology are all woven into this enduring tapestry. 

Dante's love for the departed Beatrice is an overriding theme, but you might also pick up more than one who he doesn't love - like the corruption of the church and especially Pope Boniface VIII. 

If you've ever been curious, don't be afraid to give it a try.  I would really advocate for trying a companion podcast like Tom mentioned above if you feel any hesitation - it's like having your own private guide to walk you through the entire journey.  Cheers!