The biblical Dante / V. Stanley Benfell.

The biblical Dante / V. Stanley Benfell.

Toronto ; Buffalo : University of Toronto Press, ©2011.

xii, 299 p. ; 24 cm

[Toronto Italian studies]

"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."--pub. desc.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Dante's Idea of the Bible
Biblical Truth in the Paradiso
The Bible in the Inferno: Misprision and Prophetic Appropriation
Una nuova legge: The Beatitudes in the Purgatorio
Dante's Apocalypse.

Toronto Italian studies.

PQ4419.B5 B45 2011