Under no circumstances should the material here be taken as a substitute for reading the book. Indeed, these notes are far from perfect and less than complete. If you want to really understand The Inferno you must read it for yourself. I aced this unit in World Literature, so my notes are good, but NOT the do-all end-all.
Also, if your teacher asked you not to make use of study guides or outside resources, get out of here! I don't support cheating in any way, shape, or form.
Finally, the translation these notes are based on is by Dorothy L. Sayers and the edition was published by Penguin Classics. Many of the references here relate to the translator's notes and explication of allegorical imagery.
There, now Fluffy's fuzzy bunny behind is covered. If you're still going to use these notes, they are to the right.
2. Canto Summaries
3. Epic Conventions
4. Puns and Wordplay
5. Moralizations
6. History
7. The Structure of Hell
8. Other Works
9. Miscellaneous
10. Links
11. Quizzes
12. Vocabulary
13. Bible References (unfinished)
14. About Dante
Last update Monday, August 4, 2003.
