Even though Dante himself was a politician, it is very apparent that he has some disdain for many politicians in Italy at the time. Dante makes a habit of calling out numerous politicians through his decent further into Hell. Dante makes it clear that even though he is a poet first and foremost, his political interests are always important Dante treats all the sinners in Hell differently. Some he wishes he could talk to more, like Brunetto in the 7th circle. There are some that he feels bad for, like Pier Della Vigna, who is punished in the realm of the suicides. And then there are some that Dante treats absolutely terribly, like Filippo Argenti, one of Dante’s political rivals Filippo is placed in the Styx, with the other Wrathful souls
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While he is more vulgar later on, he paints Filippo has someone who most defiantly belongs with the wrathful. “Away there with the other dogs!” and “I know you, for all your filth” (8. 39-42) are some of the very captivating phrases used in their interaction. Virgil then goes on to say that Filippo is enraged because of his deeds in the world. Virgil states that Filippo does not have a single good memory of a deed that he accomplished in his life. This makes him enraged, explaining much of the actions he had against the boat and Dante. There is also one more statement that says a lot about the state of politics. “How many now above think themselves great kings will lie here in the mud like swine, leaving behind nothing but ill repute” (8. 48-51) It also worth bringing up the Contrapasso with Filippo getting torn to shreds. That could very well symbolize the people you let down during your political campaign. Citizens today in America want to rip apart politicians if they go against the people and what they want. Imagine how brutal that would have been back in Medieval …show more content…
But the big question is why Dante would be more inclined to talk to someone who has killed thousands of his own party than an angry, rich soul. Farinata states in the 91 line of Canto X that he was one of the commanders that stood for keeping Florence standing after the Battle of Montaperti. His fellow commanders wanted to destroy the city, and burn it to the ground. This fits the political aspect of Dante, but remember, he is a poet above all else. Dante respects logic and conversation all throughout the Inferno. Filippo did not give that to him at all. His mind was consumed by rage because he didn’t do anything as a politician. Farinata did, even if it was against the view point Dante holds. But as a poet, he can get past that.
In short, Dante’s views on politics are fairly simple. One should not use personal wealth to influence politics, and just because you have that wealth, that doesn’t mean politics are right for you. If you get involved just because of wealth, you will fail and end up like Filippo. Mad, frustrated, and hated by the people you served. Dante also realizes that for every political side, there will be another that opposes everything that side stands for. By the long and intellectual conversation with Farinata, it can be assumed that Dante values viewing politics from many different angles and
While he is more vulgar later on, he paints Filippo has someone who most defiantly belongs with the wrathful. “Away there with the other dogs!” and “I know you, for all your filth” (8. 39-42) are some of the very captivating phrases used in their interaction. Virgil then goes on to say that Filippo is enraged because of his deeds in the world. Virgil states that Filippo does not have a single good memory of a deed that he accomplished in his life. This makes him enraged, explaining much of the actions he had against the boat and Dante. There is also one more statement that says a lot about the state of politics. “How many now above think themselves great kings will lie here in the mud like swine, leaving behind nothing but ill repute” (8. 48-51) It also worth bringing up the Contrapasso with Filippo getting torn to shreds. That could very well symbolize the people you let down during your political campaign. Citizens today in America want to rip apart politicians if they go against the people and what they want. Imagine how brutal that would have been back in Medieval …show more content…
But the big question is why Dante would be more inclined to talk to someone who has killed thousands of his own party than an angry, rich soul. Farinata states in the 91 line of Canto X that he was one of the commanders that stood for keeping Florence standing after the Battle of Montaperti. His fellow commanders wanted to destroy the city, and burn it to the ground. This fits the political aspect of Dante, but remember, he is a poet above all else. Dante respects logic and conversation all throughout the Inferno. Filippo did not give that to him at all. His mind was consumed by rage because he didn’t do anything as a politician. Farinata did, even if it was against the view point Dante holds. But as a poet, he can get past that.
In short, Dante’s views on politics are fairly simple. One should not use personal wealth to influence politics, and just because you have that wealth, that doesn’t mean politics are right for you. If you get involved just because of wealth, you will fail and end up like Filippo. Mad, frustrated, and hated by the people you served. Dante also realizes that for every political side, there will be another that opposes everything that side stands for. By the long and intellectual conversation with Farinata, it can be assumed that Dante values viewing politics from many different angles and