The Breath Of Life, The Breath Of Poetry: PURGATORIO, Canto XXV, Lines 52 - 78

Statius goes on to the second part of his discussion of human embryology by following the fetus through its developmental phases until it finally has a brain. At this point, the prime mover knows it's capable of reason and so breathes a new spirit into it . . . to make it capable of self-reflection.

This passage is astounding discourse on developmental embryology as understood by medievals via Aristotle but may also be a complex allegory for the creation of poetry.

Join me, Mark Scarbrough, as we work our way through the middle bits of Statius's discourse.

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Here are the segments for this episode of WALKING WITH DANTE:

[01:35] My English translation of PURGATORIO, Canto XXV, lines 52 - 78. If you'd like to read along or continue the conversation with me about this passage, please find the entry for this episode on my website: markscarbrough.com.

[04:37] Following the logic of Statius's discourse on embryology.

[19:46] Three conclusions about reproduction and human development via Statius (and the poet Dante).

[23:15] Embryology as an allegory for the craft of poetry.

[25:53] Rereading the passage: PURGATORIO, Canto XXV, lines 52 - 78.