Summary
Dante encounters the spirits of lust in Purgatory, where souls purify themselves by walking through flames. These spirits are divided into two groups - heterosexual and homosexual - who briefly greet each other with kisses before continuing their separate purifications. What makes this chapter extraordinary is Dante's meeting with Guido Guinicelli, a poet he considers his literary father. The encounter shows us something profound about mentorship and influence. When Dante hears Guinicelli's name, he's overwhelmed with the kind of joy you'd feel meeting someone whose work fundamentally changed your life. But Guinicelli, humble despite his greatness, immediately points Dante toward another poet he considers even greater - Arnaut Daniel. This moment captures the beautiful chain of artistic influence, where each generation builds on the last. Guinicelli asks Dante to say a prayer for him when he reaches Paradise, showing how even our heroes need support. The chapter explores how we're all connected through invisible threads of influence and inspiration. It reminds us that the people whose words, actions, or examples shaped us were once struggling souls themselves, working through their own challenges. The fire these spirits walk through represents the painful but necessary process of purification we all must undergo. Meeting our influences face-to-face can be both thrilling and humbling - they're human too, with their own flaws and growth to complete.
Coming Up in Chapter 61
As dawn approaches and the sun begins to rise, Dante prepares for the final challenge before reaching the summit of Mount Purgatory. The journey is about to reach a crucial turning point that will change everything.
Share it with friends
An excerpt from the original text.(complete · 1118 words)
While singly thus along the rim we walk’d, Oft the good master warn’d me: “Look thou well. Avail it that I caution thee.” The sun Now all the western clime irradiate chang’d From azure tinct to white; and, as I pass’d, My passing shadow made the umber’d flame Burn ruddier. At so strange a sight I mark’d That many a spirit marvel’d on his way. This bred occasion first to speak of me, “He seems,” said they, “no insubstantial frame:” Then to obtain what certainty they might, Stretch’d towards me, careful not to overpass The burning pale. “O thou, who followest The others, haply not more slow than they, But mov’d by rev’rence, answer me, who burn In thirst and fire: nor I alone, but these All for thine answer do more thirst, than doth Indian or Aethiop for the cooling stream. Tell us, how is it that thou mak’st thyself A wall against the sun, as thou not yet Into th’ inextricable toils of death Hadst enter’d?” Thus spake one, and I had straight Declar’d me, if attention had not turn’d To new appearance. Meeting these, there came, Midway the burning path, a crowd, on whom Earnestly gazing, from each part I view The shadows all press forward, sev’rally Each snatch a hasty kiss, and then away. E’en so the emmets, ’mid their dusky troops, Peer closely one at other, to spy out Their mutual road perchance, and how they thrive. That friendly greeting parted, ere dispatch Of the first onward step, from either tribe Loud clamour rises: those, who newly come, Shout Sodom and Gomorrah!” these, “The cow Pasiphae enter’d, that the beast she woo’d Might rush unto her luxury.” Then as cranes, That part towards the Riphaean mountains fly, Part towards the Lybic sands, these to avoid The ice, and those the sun; so hasteth off One crowd, advances th’ other; and resume Their first song weeping, and their several shout. Again drew near my side the very same, Who had erewhile besought me, and their looks Mark’d eagerness to listen. I, who twice Their will had noted, spake: “O spirits secure, Whene’er the time may be, of peaceful end! My limbs, nor crude, nor in mature old age, Have I left yonder: here they bear me, fed With blood, and sinew-strung. That I no more May live in blindness, hence I tend aloft. There is a dame on high, who wind for us This grace, by which my mortal through your realm I bear. But may your utmost wish soon meet Such full fruition, that the orb of heaven, Fullest of love, and of most ample space, Receive you, as ye tell (upon my page Henceforth to stand recorded) who ye are, And what this multitude, that at your backs Have past behind us.” As one, mountain-bred, Rugged and clownish, if some city’s walls He chance to enter, round him stares agape, Confounded and struck dumb; e’en such appear’d Each spirit. But when rid of that amaze, (Not long the inmate of a noble heart) He, who before had question’d, thus resum’d: “O blessed, who, for death preparing, tak’st Experience of our limits, in thy bark! Their crime, who not with us proceed, was that, For which, as he did triumph, Caesar heard The snout of ‘queen,’ to taunt him. Hence their cry Of ‘Sodom,’ as they parted, to rebuke Themselves, and aid the burning by their shame. Our sinning was Hermaphrodite: but we, Because the law of human kind we broke, Following like beasts our vile concupiscence, Hence parting from them, to our own disgrace Record the name of her, by whom the beast In bestial tire was acted. Now our deeds Thou know’st, and how we sinn’d. If thou by name Wouldst haply know us, time permits not now To tell so much, nor can I. Of myself Learn what thou wishest. Guinicelli I, Who having truly sorrow’d ere my last, Already cleanse me.” With such pious joy, As the two sons upon their mother gaz’d From sad Lycurgus rescu’d, such my joy (Save that I more represt it) when I heard From his own lips the name of him pronounc’d, Who was a father to me, and to those My betters, who have ever us’d the sweet And pleasant rhymes of love. So nought I heard Nor spake, but long time thoughtfully I went, Gazing on him; and, only for the fire, Approach’d not nearer. When my eyes were fed By looking on him, with such solemn pledge, As forces credence, I devoted me Unto his service wholly. In reply He thus bespake me: “What from thee I hear Is grav’d so deeply on my mind, the waves Of Lethe shall not wash it off, nor make A whit less lively. But as now thy oath Has seal’d the truth, declare what cause impels That love, which both thy looks and speech bewray.” “Those dulcet lays,” I answer’d, “which, as long As of our tongue the beauty does not fade, Shall make us love the very ink that trac’d them.” “Brother!” he cried, and pointed at a shade Before him, “there is one, whose mother speech Doth owe to him a fairer ornament. He in love ditties and the tales of prose Without a rival stands, and lets the fools Talk on, who think the songster of Limoges O’ertops him. Rumour and the popular voice They look to more than truth, and so confirm Opinion, ere by art or reason taught. Thus many of the elder time cried up Guittone, giving him the prize, till truth By strength of numbers vanquish’d. If thou own So ample privilege, as to have gain’d Free entrance to the cloister, whereof Christ Is Abbot of the college, say to him One paternoster for me, far as needs For dwellers in this world, where power to sin No longer tempts us.” Haply to make way For one, that follow’d next, when that was said, He vanish’d through the fire, as through the wave A fish, that glances diving to the deep. I, to the spirit he had shown me, drew A little onward, and besought his name, For which my heart, I said, kept gracious room. He frankly thus began: “Thy courtesy So wins on me, I have nor power nor will To hide me. I am Arnault; and with songs, Sorely lamenting for my folly past, Thorough this ford of fire I wade, and see The day, I hope for, smiling in my view. I pray ye by the worth that guides ye up Unto the summit of the scale, in time Remember ye my suff’rings.” With such words He disappear’d in the refining flame.
Master this chapter. Complete your experience
Purchase the complete book to access all chapters and support classic literature
As an Amazon Associate, we earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
Available in paperback, hardcover, and e-book formats
Intelligence Amplifier™ Analysis
The Road of Influence Recognition
Everyone who shaped us was shaped by others and is still growing themselves, creating invisible networks of mutual influence and support.
Why This Matters
Connect literature to life
This chapter teaches how to identify the invisible networks of influence that shape every person's development and approach.
Practice This Today
This week, notice when someone you admire credits their own teachers or influences - trace those connections and see how wisdom actually travels through communities.
Now let's explore the literary elements.
Terms to Know
Purgatory
In medieval Christian belief, a place where souls purify themselves after death before entering Paradise. Unlike Hell, this is temporary - souls here are working toward redemption through suffering that has purpose.
Modern Usage:
We talk about being 'in purgatory' when stuck in an uncomfortable but temporary situation we must endure to reach something better.
Seven Deadly Sins
Pride, envy, wrath, sloth, greed, gluttony, and lust - the fundamental character flaws that medieval Christianity believed led to spiritual death. Each level of Purgatory addresses one of these sins.
Modern Usage:
We still recognize these as the basic human weaknesses that cause problems in relationships and personal growth.
Literary Influence
The way writers, artists, and thinkers build on the work of those who came before them. Dante shows this by meeting his literary 'father' Guinicelli, who then points him to an even greater influence.
Modern Usage:
We see this when musicians credit their influences, or when someone says 'This book changed my life' - we're all shaped by others' work.
Courtly Love Poetry
A medieval tradition of writing about idealized, often unattainable love. Poets like Guinicelli elevated romantic love to a spiritual level, making it a path to understanding divine love.
Modern Usage:
Modern love songs and romantic movies still use many of these same themes about love being transformative and elevating.
Purification Through Fire
The medieval belief that fire could burn away impurities, leaving something pure behind. In this chapter, souls walk through flames to cleanse themselves of lustful desires.
Modern Usage:
We use 'trial by fire' to describe difficult experiences that test and ultimately strengthen us.
Spiritual Mentorship
The relationship between a more experienced soul and a seeker, where the mentor guides without controlling. Guinicelli mentors Dante by pointing him toward even greater teachers.
Modern Usage:
Good mentors today do the same thing - they don't just teach you, they connect you to others who can take you further.
Characters in This Chapter
Dante
Protagonist and seeker
He's the living person walking through the realm of the dead, casting a shadow that amazes the spirits. His encounter with his literary hero shows his humility and eagerness to learn.
Modern Equivalent:
The person meeting their childhood hero and discovering they're even more amazing in person
Virgil
Guide and mentor
He continues to warn and protect Dante, showing the steady presence of a good mentor. He understands the spiritual landscape they're navigating.
Modern Equivalent:
The experienced supervisor who keeps checking on you during your first week at a challenging new job
Guido Guinicelli
Literary father and spirit in purification
A poet Dante reveres who's purifying himself of lust. Despite being Dante's hero, he humbly points Dante toward an even greater poet, showing true mentorship.
Modern Equivalent:
The accomplished professional who gives you credit and introduces you to someone even more successful
Arnaut Daniel
Master poet in purification
The Provençal poet whom Guinicelli considers superior to himself. He speaks in his native language, showing the diversity of souls seeking purification.
Modern Equivalent:
The legendary artist that other artists consider the gold standard in their field
The Lustful Spirits
Souls undergoing purification
They're amazed by Dante's shadow because he's alive. They briefly greet each other with kisses before continuing their separate purifications, showing love can exist even in discipline.
Modern Equivalent:
People in recovery programs who support each other while working through their individual challenges
Key Quotes & Analysis
"He seems no insubstantial frame"
Context: The spirits notice Dante casts a shadow, proving he's alive
This moment highlights how rare and precious life is from the perspective of the dead. The spirits are amazed because Dante has something they've lost - a living body that interacts with the physical world.
In Today's Words:
Wait, this guy's actually alive!
"O thou who art my master and my author, thou from whom alone I took the style that has brought me honor"
Context: Dante addresses Guinicelli as his literary father
This shows the profound gratitude we owe to those who shaped our abilities. Dante acknowledges that his success comes from building on Guinicelli's foundation, demonstrating intellectual humility.
In Today's Words:
You're the reason I became good at what I do - everything I achieved started with learning from you
"Brother, he whom I point out to you was a better craftsman of the mother tongue"
Context: Guinicelli points Dante toward Arnaut Daniel
True mentorship means knowing when to step aside and point your student toward someone even better. Guinicelli's humility shows that greatness includes recognizing others' superiority.
In Today's Words:
See that guy over there? He's way better at this than I am - you should learn from him instead
"Now I pray you, by that power which guides you to the summit of the stairway, be mindful in due time of my pain"
Context: Guinicelli asks Dante to remember him in prayer when he reaches Paradise
Even our heroes need our support and prayers. This reminds us that the people we look up to are still struggling with their own challenges and can benefit from our help.
In Today's Words:
When you make it to the top, don't forget to put in a good word for me
Thematic Threads
Mentorship
In This Chapter
Dante meets his literary father Guinicelli, who humbly points him toward an even greater influence
Development
Expanded from earlier guidance figures to show how influence chains connect across generations
In Your Life:
The people whose advice shaped you were once asking for advice themselves
Humility
In This Chapter
Guinicelli, despite being Dante's hero, immediately redirects praise to another poet he considers superior
Development
Continues the theme of true greatness requiring self-awareness and recognition of others
In Your Life:
The most respected people in your workplace often credit others for their success
Personal Growth
In This Chapter
Even accomplished souls must walk through purifying fire to complete their development
Development
Reinforces that growth is ongoing regardless of achievement level
In Your Life:
Your heroes and role models are still working on themselves, just like you are
Human Relationships
In This Chapter
Guinicelli asks Dante for prayers, showing that even influences need support from those they've shaped
Development
Deepens the understanding that relationships involve mutual support rather than one-way admiration
In Your Life:
The people who helped you still need encouragement and support in their own struggles
Identity
In This Chapter
Dante's identity as a poet is revealed through his connection to literary predecessors
Development
Shows how personal identity emerges through recognizing our place in larger networks of influence
In Your Life:
Who you are professionally and personally connects to invisible chains of people who shaped your path
You now have the context. Time to form your own thoughts.
Discussion Questions
- 1
Why is Dante so overwhelmed when he meets Guinicelli, and what does Guinicelli's humble response tell us about how he sees himself?
analysis • surface - 2
What does it mean that Guinicelli immediately points Dante toward someone he considers even greater? Why doesn't he just accept the praise?
analysis • medium - 3
Think about someone whose work, advice, or example changed your life's direction. How do you think they learned what they taught you?
application • medium - 4
Guinicelli asks Dante to pray for him, showing even our heroes need support. How could you support someone who influenced you, even if they don't know you exist?
application • deep - 5
The spirits walk through purifying fire while helping each other. What does this suggest about how personal growth and supporting others work together?
reflection • deep
Critical Thinking Exercise
Trace Your Chain of Influence
Draw a simple chain showing how influence flowed to you and through you. Start with someone who shaped your thinking or approach to life. Then trace backward: who influenced them? Next, trace forward: who have you influenced, even in small ways? Include at least three links going back and two going forward.
Consider:
- •Your influences might be people you've never met - authors, speakers, even characters
- •Consider both obvious mentors and unexpected influences who changed how you see things
- •Remember that you influence others even when you don't realize it - coworkers, family, friends
Journaling Prompt
Write about one person in your chain who you could reach out to with gratitude, and one person you've influenced who might benefit from your continued support or encouragement.
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 61: Crossing the Wall of Fire
As the story unfolds, you'll explore fear can paralyze us even when we know we're safe, while uncovering the power of mentioning what we love most to motivate action. These lessons connect the classic to contemporary challenges we all face.
