Dante Elective 2010
Julia Heaton
Name:
Purgatorio Take-Home Essay Test
Due Wednesday, May 26, 2010
ASSIGNMENT:
Choose one of the prompts below to answer in a well-organized analytical essay of approximately 3-4 typed
pages. Your goal is to provide the reader with a deeper understanding of one aspect of the poem –character,
allusion, or motif, acknowledging the complexity of the text. In addition, your essay should demonstrate your
developing skills as a critical reader, thinker, and writer. Begin your essay with a concise and arguable thesis
statement and a brief introduction that outlines your main points. Support your argument with specific
textual examples and close reading of each example. While your essay should focus primarily on
Purgatorio, you are encouraged to make comparisons to Inferno, especially to the parallel canto(s). If
appropriate, you may also refer to the artwork we saw at the Cloisters and in class.
ESSAY PROMPTS:
A. Write a detailed character analysis of one of the souls found in Purgatory. Begin by situating the
character in the text and explaining the narrative context in which he/she appears (canto, terrace,
situation). What actions in life sent this character to Purgatory? Analyze how Dante depicts the
character in terms of physicality and personality. How does the character’s depiction relate to his/her
earthly actions and penance? How does the character’s method of repentance reflect or contradict the
logic of Purgatory? Be sure to acknowledge any ambiguities and/or contradictions in your
interpretation. Finally, discuss how the character is representative of the larger themes in the text.
B. Write a detailed analysis of an allusion found in Purgatory. Begin by situating the allusion in the
text and explaining the narrative context in which it appears (canto, terrace, situation). Next, identify
the original source of the allusion – literary, religious, classical, nautical, historical, etc.—and provide
a clear explanation of the original meaning. Then analyze how Dante-poet uses the allusion and to
what effect. How does the allusion take on new meaning in the context of Purgatory? Be sure to
acknowledge any ambiguities and/or contradictions in your interpretation. Finally, explain how the
allusion connects with the larger themes in the text.
C. Write a detailed analysis of a particular motif/symbol found in Purgatory. You may choose one of
the motifs we have discussed in class (plants, water, exile/exodus, animals, dreams, etc.) or choose
your own. Begin by situating the motif/symbol in the text and explaining the narrative context in
which it appears (canto, terrace, situation). Next, discuss the meaning of the motif/symbol on both
literal and metaphorical levels. Then analyze how Dante-poet uses the motif/symbol and to what
effect. Be sure to acknowledge any ambiguities and/or contradictions in your interpretation. Finally,
explain how the motif/symbol connects with the larger themes in the text.
EXPECTATIONS:
This is a take-home essay test. That means that the same expectations of academic integrity that apply
during an in-class test apply for this assignment. All of the ideas presented in the essay should be original to
you and written in your own words (not borrowed or paraphrased from another source). You may refer to
your textual annotations and class notes when planning and writing your essay, however, you may not consult
secondary sources such as Dante Worlds or Digital Dante. If you have any questions about appropriate use of
sources, please consult with me before you begin writing.
FORMAL REQUIREMENTS:
 Length: approximately 3-4 pages typed, double-spaced, 12-point font.
 Name, class, and date on the first page (title page optional)
 All textual examples must be correctly formatted and cited with canto and line numbers in parenthese
(e.g. Purg. XXI, 53-55).
 Take time to proofread your essay for grammar, phrasing, and typos before printing out the final draft.
 Print out and staple pages before class on Wednesday.