Dante has certainly been able to interact with all sorts of souls in INFERNO. But now things seem to be changing. He meets a soul on the shore of Purgatory that he can't touch--or even hug.

Join me, Mark Scarbrough, as we explore this short passage from PURGATORIO to begin a long discussion about the changing nature of the body-soul problem in Dante's COMEDY.

Here are the segments for this episode of WALKING WITH DANTE:

[01:31] My English translation of the passage: PURGATORIO, Canto II, lines 76 - 87. If you'd like to print it off, read along, or drop a comment, please scroll down this page.

[02:53] Three human moments in the passage to show we're a long way from INFERNO: brotherly affection, a smile, and redemptive wonder.

[06:14] The importance of the human voice, even in the afterlife.

[07:45] Virgil's masterwork, THE AENEID: still with us, even in PURGATORIO, this far down the road.

[10:36] The body/soul problem: corporeality, animation, rationality, and incarnation.

[20:58] Rereading this passage: PURGATORIO, Canto II, lines 76 - 87.

And here’s my English translation of Purgatorio, Canto II, Lines 76 – 87

I saw one of them come toward me

To give me a big hug. He showed so much affection for me

That I was moved to do the same for him.

O empty shades, except in your appearance!

Three times I clasped my hands behind him

And each time I drew them back against my own chest.

The wonder of it all, I believe, tinted my face.

At which the shade smiled and stepped back,

While I pressed forward as if to follow him.

Speaking gently, he told me to cut it out.

It was then that I recognized him. And I asked

If he could stick around a bit to have a chat with me.