The Biblical Dante (Toronto Italian Studies) - Hardcover

V. Stanley Benfell

9781442642744: The Biblical Dante (Toronto Italian Studies)

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1442642742 ISBN 13: 9781442642744

Publisher: University of Toronto Press, 2011

Dante Alighieri cited the Bible extensively in his Commedia, but also used his epic poem to meditate on the meaning of the Scriptures as a 'true' text. The Biblical Dante provides close readings of passages from the Commedia to explore how Dante's concept of Biblical truth differs sharply from modern notions. V. Stanley Benfell examines Dante's argument that the truth of the sacred text could only be revealed when engaged with in a transformative manner - and that a lack of such encounters in his time had led to a rise in greed and corruption, notably within the Church. He also illustrates how the poet put forth a vision for the restoration of a just society using Biblical language and imagery, revealing ideas of both earthly and eternal happiness. The Biblical Dante provides an insightful analysis of attitudes towards both the Bible and how it was read in the Medieval period.

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About the Author:

V. Stanley Benfell is an associate professor in the Department of Humanities, Classics, and Comparative Literature at Brigham Young University.

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