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The Biblical Dante

By V. Stanley Benfell

© 2011

Dante Alighieri cited the Bible extensively in his Commedia, but also used his epic poem to meditate on the meaning of the Scriptures as a 'true' text. The Biblical Dante provides close readings of passages from the Commedia to explore how Dante's concept of Biblical truth differs sharply from modern notions.

V. Stanley Benfell examines Dante's argument that the truth of the sacred text could only be revealed when engaged with in a transformative manner - and that a lack of such encounters in his time had led to a rise in greed and corruption, notably within the Church. He also illustrates how the poet put forth a vision for the restoration of a just society using Biblical language and imagery, revealing ideas of both earthly and eternal happiness. The Biblical Dante provides an insightful analysis of attitudes towards both the Bible and how it was read in the Medieval period.

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Product Details

  • Series: Toronto Italian Studies
  • World Rights
  • Page Count: 288 pages
  • Dimensions: 6.4in x 1.0in x 9.4in
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SKU# SP003078

  • PUBLISHED NOV 2011
    From: $87.00
    ISBN 9781442642744
  • PUBLISHED NOV 2011
    From: $87.00
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Quick Overview

The Biblical Dante provides close readings of passages from the Commedia to explore how Dante's concept of Biblical truth differs sharply from modern notions.

The Biblical Dante

By V. Stanley Benfell

© 2011

Dante Alighieri cited the Bible extensively in his Commedia, but also used his epic poem to meditate on the meaning of the Scriptures as a 'true' text. The Biblical Dante provides close readings of passages from the Commedia to explore how Dante's concept of Biblical truth differs sharply from modern notions.

V. Stanley Benfell examines Dante's argument that the truth of the sacred text could only be revealed when engaged with in a transformative manner - and that a lack of such encounters in his time had led to a rise in greed and corruption, notably within the Church. He also illustrates how the poet put forth a vision for the restoration of a just society using Biblical language and imagery, revealing ideas of both earthly and eternal happiness. The Biblical Dante provides an insightful analysis of attitudes towards both the Bible and how it was read in the Medieval period.

Continue Reading Read Less

Product Details

  • Series: Toronto Italian Studies
  • World Rights
  • Page Count: 288 pages
  • Dimensions: 6.4in x 1.0in x 9.4in

  • Author Information

    V. Stanley Benfell is an associate professor in the Department of Humanities, Classics, and Comparative Literature at Brigham Young University.

  • Table of contents

    A Note on Texts
    Abbreviations

    Preface

    1. Dante’s Idea of the Bible
    2. Biblical Truth in the Paradiso
    3. The Bible in the Inferno: Misprision and Prophetic Appropriation
    4. Una nuova legge: The Beatitudes in the Purgatorio
    5. Dante’s Apocalypse

    Conclusion: Poet of the Biblical World

    Works Cited

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