Purgatorio Canto XI facile facile

Summary

In this segment of Dante's *Purgatorio*, Dante and Virgilio encounter the souls of the proud, who are punished by carrying massive stones that force them to look at the ground. The canto features poignant conversations with Umberto Aldobrandeschi, a former noble who reflects on his life of arrogance, and Oderisi da Gubbio, a humble artist who discusses the fleeting nature of fame. The souls' reflections on pride and repentance illustrate the theme of *contrapasso*. Dante also learns about Provenzano Salvani, a repentant noble, and the necessity of public humility, foreshadowing Dante's own future struggles with pride.

Takeaways

• 😀 The souls in the first cornice of Purgatory are punished for their pride, carrying massive stones that force them to bow their heads and look down, symbolizing their arrogance in life.
• 😀 The canto begins with a modified version of the Lord's Prayer, with the souls praying not only for themselves but for the living, showing their love and compassion for those still on Earth.
• 😀 Dante reflects on how the living should also pray for the souls in Purgatory with sincere hearts, as the souls themselves pray for the living.
• 😀 Umberto Aldobrandeschi, a proud soul from Tuscany, recounts his family's power and his own arrogance, which led to his downfall and caused harm to both him and his family.
• 😀 Dante and Virgil encounter Oderisi da Gubbio, a miniaturist who humbly admits that Franco Bolognese surpassed him in skill, acknowledging the fleeting nature of fame and glory.
• 😀 Oderisi reflects on how fame is transient, using examples like Cimabue's fading legacy in painting and Guido Guinizzelli’s overshadowed reputation in poetry.
• 😀 Oderisi teaches Dante that human glory is as fleeting as the wind, reminding him that even a thousand years is a mere moment in eternity.
• 😀 The souls' punishments in the first cornice, bearing heavy stones, reflect the weight of their pride and the consequences of their arrogance during their earthly lives.
• 😀 Dante is intrigued by Oderisi’s remark about another soul ahead, and learns that the soul in question is Provenzano Salvani, who repented at the last moment and entered Purgatory immediately.
• 😀 Oderisi explains that Provenzano’s act of public humiliation, dressing as a beggar to plead for his friend's release, was a powerful display of humility that earned him a swift passage to Purgatory.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the first cornice in Dante's Purgatorio?

The first cornice is dedicated to the punishment of the proud. The souls here are burdened with massive rocks and must walk around the cornice in a posture of humility, unable to lift their heads, as a contrapasso for their prideful behavior in life.

How is the 'Our Father' prayer adapted in the Purgatorio?

The souls in Purgatorio pray an adapted version of the 'Our Father' (Padre Nostro), with a unique poetic structure that fits Dante's rhyme scheme. In their version, they add a final plea for the living, asking God to help them avoid temptation and liberate them from evil.

What is the significance of the souls' addition to the prayer for the living?

The souls add a plea for the living, which emphasizes the interconnectedness between the living and the dead. Dante reflects on this addition, suggesting that the living should also pray sincerely for the souls in Purgatorio, showing mutual care and compassion.

How does Dante's conversation with the souls highlight their humility?

In his interaction with the souls, Dante learns that their humility is reflected in their self-awareness. For example, Oderisi da Gubbio admits that he is not the best miniaturist anymore, acknowledging someone else’s superior skills, a stark contrast to his former prideful nature.

Who is Umberto Aldobrandeschi and what is his story?

Umberto Aldobrandeschi was a proud nobleman from the Aldobrandeschi family. He grew up with a sense of superiority, which ultimately led to his downfall. His arrogance alienated others and contributed to his family's destruction. He died a prideful death, which led to his punishment in Purgatorio.

What role does Oderisi da Gubbio play in the narrative?

Oderisi da Gubbio, a renowned miniaturist, shares his insights with Dante about the fleeting nature of fame and glory. He also reflects on his past pride and compares his own fall to the rising star of other artists, like Giotto surpassing Cimabue.

What does Oderisi say about the transience of human glory?

Oderisi discusses how human glory is fleeting, likening it to the changing winds. He uses the example of Cimabue's diminishing fame in art as Giotto's fame grew, suggesting that human achievements are easily overshadowed by time and future generations.

Why does Dante feel humbled by Oderisi's words?

Dante feels humbled because Oderisi's reflections on the transitory nature of fame and his own former pride resonate with him. Dante realizes that his own pride may one day be overshadowed, and this insight makes him more self-aware.

How does the theme of pride relate to Dante’s journey in Purgatorio?

The theme of pride is central to Dante’s journey through Purgatorio. The first cornice is specifically for those who were prideful in life. As Dante meets various souls, he learns the consequences of pride and begins to reflect on his own behaviors, leading to a process of self-humiliation and growth.

What is the significance of the soul of Provenzan Salvani in the narrative?

Provenzan Salvani is introduced as a prideful individual who lived during the Battle of Montaperti and was renowned in Tuscany. His story contrasts with his final act of humility before death, which allowed him to immediately enter Purgatorio. His story underscores the theme of penitence and the power of sincere humility.