Posts in Interpolated Episodes

PURGATORIO, Episode 179. Did Dante Think The Characters In Classical Poems Were Real?

Did Dante think the characters in classical poems like those by Virgil, Statius, and Ovid were real, historical people? The answer lies at the heart of our problem of reading Dante across the scientific-revolution divide. He may find texts more reliable than we do . . . and may find meaning less stable than we do.

Interpolated EpisodesMark ScarbroughJune 4, 2025Dante's poetics, Classical imageryComment

INFERNO, Episode 231. What We Missed And How You Can Further Your Own Slow-Walk Across INFERNO

We’ve concluded our slow-walk across hell, the first third (or so) of Dante’s masterpiece, COMEDY. But there are many more ways you can deepen your understanding of INFERNO. Here are some suggestions for ways to come to terms with the poem beyond this podcast—all as we get ready to ascend Mount Purgatory.

Interpolated EpisodesMark ScarbroughFebruary 1, 2023Comment