Reading Journal: Dante Inferno

I found it interesting how Dante sees three Furies and the way that the author chose to describe   what Dante is seeing. For instance, “for there of a sudden, I saw three shapes arise, three hellish  furies, bolstered all with blood; their form and bearing were made woman-wise” (9. 37-39). This was interesting to me because the author is illustrating these creatures, as woman, how they are evil and blood strengthens them. The author was descriptive in the way that at first he mentions the shape of them and then how they align with women bodies. The author also adds “they beat their breasts, and tore them with their nails, shrieking so loud” (9. 49-50). This quote emphasizes the way that these women are not typical, and that they are fearless and aggressive.

In addition, Virgil is protective towards Dante because when these Furies tried to call Medusa to turn Dante into Stone, Virgil warned and told him what to do so that he won’t be turned into stone. For instance, once the Furies cried “Fetch Medusa!” (9.52), Virgil told Dante “turn thee about, and shut thine eyelids tight” (9.55). So, Virgil is telling Dante to close his eyes, so he will not see Medusa and thus get turned into stone. Not only that, but when Dante was confused about this, Virgil stepped in and took matters into his own hands. For example, “But turned me himself, and urgency pressed my palms close and covered them with his own” (9. 59-60). This conveys how Virgil cares for Dante and wants to protect him. This was interesting to me because it really broadens the relationship between Virgil and Dante. Virgil seems to be a helpful influence to Dante’s journey through the different sections of hell.

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