From Lofty To Lyrical In The Prophetic Voice: PURGATORIO, Canto XXIII, Lines 91 - 111

Walking With Dante

Having praised his wife, Nella, Forese Donati launches into the prophetic voice, the new "high style" that Dante has developed, a screed with a lyrical undertow.

This complicated poetic act can only be accomplished with the vernacular, with medieval Florentine (in Dante's case).

And although it fuses with misogyny and xenophobia, it nonetheless demonstrates the Dante's new style beyond love sonnets: the lyrical, prophetic voice.

Join me, Mark Scarbrough, as we explore Forese Donati's condemnation of Florentine women and his wild launch into Isaiah's prophetic vision.

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

[01:40] My English translation of the passage: PURGATORIO, Canto XXIII, lines 91 - 111. If you'd like to read along or continue the conversation via a comment on this episode, please find its entry on my website: markscarbrough.com.

[03:50] As Forese launches into his misogynistic condemnation of Florentine women, he reaffirms his love for his wife, Nella, the "little widow."

[08:42] Forese's prophetic discourse takes flight from a misogynistic and xenophobic platform.

[11:29] Rising sumptuary laws indicate an increasingly fluid social structure, particularly for women.

[15:02] Forese ends his screed at a high-style moment infused with Isaiah's prophecy (from Isaiah 7).

[18:03] The prophetic discourse ends at a lyrical moment somehow still in this high style.

[20:03] The vernacular is able to handle a greater emotional range than Latin in Dante's day.

[23:40] Forese's prophecy never comes true--and incorporates a curious shadow of doubt.

[26:23] Rereading the passage: PURGATORIO, Canto XXIII, lines 91 - 111.