Dante: The Lustful

Lesson Four:

Canto V - Circle Two: The Lustful
Language skill: Possessive review

Circle Two: The Lustful

In order to pass to Circle Two Dante and Virgil must pass by Minos the great Judge of the Underworld. Minos evaluates each sinner as he appears before him and coils his tail reveal the sinner's assigned circle. Two coils mean Circle Two, three coils mean Circle Three and so on. Dante now views the punishment of the Carnal and Lustful. These are sinners who let their passions sweep them away in life, now, in death they are condemned to be "swept away" for all eternity. A dirty, smelly, powerful and tempestuous wind batters and whirls these sinners at a fervid speed. Here Dante sees such memorable characters as Dido, Queen of Carthage; Helen, the beauty of Troy; and Cleopatra, the great ruler of Egypt. In honor of Dante's visit, the winds cease for a short spell -- long enough for Dante to hear the sad and famous story of the lovers Paulo and Francesca.

To Infernal Grammar Lesson 4: Possessive Review

To The Inferno Lesson 5: The Gluttons

Back to The Inferno Guide