Grammar Lesson Four: Possessives

Possessives show ownership! In English we can show ownership in two ways-- by either using a prepositional phrase or by using a possessive form. Example: Dante's hat is red. OR The hat of Dante is red.

Look at the examples below.

The rules!

To form the possessive of a singular noun, add 's

(Option: If a singular noun ends in s, you may add either 's or just ' )

To form the possessive of a plural noun ending in s, add '

To form the possessive of a plural noun not ending in s, add 's

Directions: Put apostrophes in where they are needed.

1. Minos job in the Underworld is to assign sinners to their proper circle.

2. According to Dante, Cleopatras sin was lust.

3. The coiled tail of Minos reveals Didos punishment.

4. Virgils job is to guide Dante on the journey through the Inferno.

5. Francescas love was for Paolo.

Writing Assignment for Lesson Four

After reading this section of The Inferno, the great English Romantic poet John Keats was moved to write the famous sonnet printed below.

A Dream, After Reading Dante's Episode of Paulo and Francesca

As Hermes once took to his feathers light,

When lulled Argus, baffled, swoon'd and slept,

So on a Delphic reed, my idle spright

So play'd, so charm'd, so conquere'd, so bereft

The dragon-world of all its hundred eyes;

And, seeing it asleep, so flew away--

Not to pure Ida with its snow-cold skies,

Nor unto Tempe where Jove griev'd a day;

But to that second circle of sad hell,

Where 'mid the gust, the whirlwind, and the flaw

Of rain and hail-stones, lovers need not tell

Their sorrows. Pale were the sweet lips I saw,

Pale were the lips I kiss'd, and fair the form

I floated with, about that melancholy storm.

Option: There are many great art works depicting the lovers. Find examples and discuss.

To The Inferno Lesson 5: The Gluttons

Back to The Inferno Guide

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