Dante's reaction to Francesca in Canto V has provoked differing interpretations. Some read the scene as evidence that he is sympathetic to passionate love-that the sin of lust is of less consequence than the humanity of the lovers-and that is the real moral lesson here. Others believe the scene demonstrates how dangerously seductive Francesca is and that love and lust are the same things to her. She is in this circle of Hell because she refuses to take responsibility for her actions. And what about Paolo-is he the seducer or the victim? What do you think? Based on your understanding of Dante, what is the lesson he wants us to learn?

Question

English

Thalia Pitts

9 August, 06:54

Dante's reaction to Francesca in Canto V has provoked differing interpretations. Some read the scene as evidence that he is sympathetic to passionate love-that the sin of lust is of less consequence than the humanity of the lovers-and that is the real moral lesson here. Others believe the scene demonstrates how dangerously seductive Francesca is and that love and lust are the same things to her. She is in this circle of Hell because she refuses to take responsibility for her actions. And what about Paolo-is he the seducer or the victim? What do you think? Based on your understanding of Dante, what is the lesson he wants us to learn?

+5

Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Elizabeth Johns · Answer 1

Accept the consequences of your actions which can be morally performed. There will always be a dilemma for an individual must call it a dilemma even when knowing the consequences of one’s own actions, one has to conduct his actions and stick to them for they resemble a right passage through time and space.