Tag Archives: Filippo Argenti

Dante’s tone towards sinners

In Canto 19, Dante and Virgil have reached the third pouch of the eighth circle called the simonists. Dante considers these sinners the worst kind because these corrupt clergy fornicate for gold and silver. The simonists are punished by being buried upside down in holes the size of baptism basins; their feet also protrude only to be burnt by eternal flames. In lines 103-105, Dante says “I would still use heavier words; for your avarice afflicts the world, trampling the good and raising up the wicked”. If Dante did not have respect for the papal office, he would have many more negative things to say regarding the simonists. Throughout the Inferno, Dante’s tone has varied with different sinners. In this particular canto, he feels no pity or sympathy towards Pope Nicholas II and unconsciously takes the role of a friar at a religious confession. Pope Nicholas II is unaware of this and thinks it’s his successor but Dante later on reveals himself. Dante’s attitude toward this sinner is nothing but rage; he does not sympathize with him whatsoever. Similarly, in Canto 8, Dante does not sympathize with the sinner At Filippo Argenti who was an enemy of Dante in the real world. He becomes infuriated with his ambiguous answer regarding why the sinner has become so ugly and pushed him back into the river. Like in Canto 19, Virgil is very pleased with Dante’s attitude towards these sinners because it is showing him not to sympathize with them anymore. He joyously hugs and kisses him in Canto 8 and happily carries him like a baby across the bridge in Canto 19. Nevertheless, Dante does sympathize with some such as the sinners in Canto 20 whose heads are on backwards and they are forced to walk without seeing anything in front them or their future. Likewise, Farinata the heretic in Canto 10, who can dive into the future but know nothing about the present state of human affairs. This fourth pouch consists of diviners, astrologers, and magicians who all cry as they walk while tears trickle down their buttocks. Dante feels so much pity for them while Virgil only feels scorn for the sinners. Dante wept as he did for Francesca and Paolo in Canto 5 who both suffered from lust. Additionally, Dante sympathizes with Pier Della Vigna in Canto 13 who committed suicide due to nasty rumors and Brunetto Latini, his former mentor and sodomite, in Canto 15. Thus, Dante’s attitude toward the sinners in the different circles has varied depending on what sin they committed and who they mean to him.

 

Filippo Argenti: The Daring Soul

(Image found in Danteworlds (UTexas) > Inferno Gallery > Circle 5; Painting is entitled: Filippo Argenti and is painted by Gustave Doré)

Throughout each Canto, each encounter with the damned invokes a strong emotional reaction in Dante. For example, in Canto 8, as Phlegyas is rowing Dante and Virgil across the Styx river, they meet Filippo Argenti. He is covered with mud and inquires to know why Dante, as part of the living world, is journeying through Hell. When Dante makes it clear that he recognizes the anguished soul despite his muddy appearance, Argenti reaches out to touch the boat or perhaps, Dante, evidently attempting to endanger him. After Virgil pushes him away and comments on the lack of goodness in Argenti’s soul, Dante replies, “Master, much would I desire to see him ducked in this broth before we leave the lake,” (52-53). In other words, Dante is expressing to Virgil a new emotion that strongly contrasts to previous reactions. In past Cantos, Dante would show pity towards souls who would share their stories with him. He would become so overwhelmed with pity and sorrow that he would faint soon afterwards. Here, Dante conveys disgust and alarm at Argenti’s daring behavior in which he puts Dante and Virgil in peril of falling into the river.

Although the moment passes quickly, Dante desires to witness Argenti’s disappearance into the Styx river, himself, so that he may feel more secure and relieved. Later on, Dante recounts, “A little later I saw him torn apart by those muddy people in such a way that I still praise God and thank him for it,” (58-59). This statement indicates that Dante feels a great sense of relief at witnessing Argenti’s violent and forcible descent into the Styx river, thanks to the other muddy anguished souls present in the river. Although Virgil comforts and shields him from being harmed, this event evidently makes him feel even more at ease. Ironically, Dante thanks and praises God, up in Heaven, for this particular event that takes place in Hell, for paying heed to his terror.