Virgil's Classical Schooling And (Irreverent?) Insistence: PURGATORIO, Canto XXI, Lines 22 - 39

The unknown shade has been gobsmacked by the fact that escapees from hell may be climbing Mount Purgatory.

Virgil explains that the pilgrim is still very much alive. To do so, Virgil uses classical, not Christian, imagery. And Virgil presses for an answer as to "why" the mountain just shook and "why" all the souls sang out with one voice.

Join me, Mark Scarbrough, as we explore Virgil's curious answer to the unknown shades questions on the fifth terrace of Purgatory, among the avaricious.

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

[01:43] My English translation of the passage: PURGATORIO, Canto XXI, lines 22 - 39. If you'd like to read along or continue the conversation with me, please find the entry and comment section for this particular episode on my website: markscarbrough.com.

[03:49] Doctor Virgil explains the symbols on the pilgrim Dante's forehead . . . or does he?

[08:15] Virgil offers the firm assurance of the pilgrim Dante's redemption.

[10:37] Virgil uses classical imagery to explain life and death.

[14:32] Was Virgil fished out of all of hell or just Limbo?

[17:23] Virgil focuses on the "why?"

[20:42] The thread and the thirst wrap the poetry in the canto.

[22:40] Rereading the passage: PURGATORIO, Canto XXI, lines 22 - 39.