Essay Topics: The Inferno

Spring 2008

Choose one from the following possibilities for your major grade on The Inferno. (100 points)

1. The Traditional Essay. Justice plays a major role in Dante’s hell. Discuss the role of Justice in the work. Be certain to use plenty of support from the poem. Should you consult outside source, make sure you accurately credit those sources using MLA style.

2. Alissa’s Prompt. In her first response paper on The Inferno, Aliisa noted that she was unsure of what Dante’s hell said about our fears, insecurities, and morals. If you approach the work as an anthropologic specimen (hoping Mr. Vaughn will approve!), what does it say about the culture from which it sprang? And do those same fears, insecurities, and morals still apply today?

3. The Dante Substitute. If you were writing The Inferno today, what ring or rings would you add? Who would be in that ring? Why? What would the punishment be? Where would the ring be in the geography of Hell? In your essay, justify why/how your ring fits Dante’s standards.

4. The Inferno: The Movie. If you were making a film of The Inferno, how would you do it? What, for example, would you put in or leave out? What special effects would you use? Who would you cast in the various major roles?

5. The Creative Spirit. If you have some alternative assessment in mind, something more creative but still substantial enough to show your understanding of the work, present your idea to me for approval. 

Due Date: March 14