Holy Thursday in Hell (Fire Edition) - Zelda Peach
I have decided to blog on Canto 19 as it is my favorite one. When I first read Canto 19 I was taken aback as I found it so interesting the way that the simonists (basically bad church authorities) were punished. Upon first entering this circle, one is greeted with feet sticking out of the ground everywhere like trees sprouting from the earth. These feet are the ends of people with owners such as Pope Nicholas III and many others. But what really catches my attention, was this:
"Out of the mouth of every hole there stuck
a sinner's feet and legs up to the fat
above the knee; the rest remained inside.
And everywhere the soles were set afire"
Canto 19 lines 22-25
In the Catholic church on the Thursday before Easter, we have what is called "Holy Thursday". It is where we celebrate the last supper and commemorate the washing of the feet. In this special mass before celebrating communion, several people go up to the altar and wash each other's feet. (I am sure this sounds strange if you have never heard of it before, but I promise it is a lot more normal than you think). Anyways, this canto reminded me of Holy Thursday, but instead of getting washed in water the feet are burning in fire. Another thing that I found strange was that Dante says to Virgil in this canto that "You are my lord, you know I never part / from your will, and you know my silent thoughts"(Canto 19, 38-39). This statement really threw me for a loop. Why would Dante call Virgil "my lord"? it just doesn't make sense.
Time for one last thing, at the end of the Canto 19 Dante says, "Silver and gold you've made into your god! / How can we tell you from the idolater?" (Canto 19, 112-113). This statement reminded me of what Phillip blogged about last week and I think it very true. To speak again on the topic, we often focus way too much on material objects (especially money) and forget that in the end, it means nothing. I am not saying that not having any money isn't bad, because everyone needs to eat and have somewhere to live, but living within one's means is important. Not having the new iPhone or PlayStation is not going to be the end all be all of everything. If we worship that new Gucci belt or social media app more than we worship God, then we as a society have it backwards. We need to remember to let go of the "silver and gold" and bring our focus back to serving and giving to God's great glory.
I commented on Moriah and Eliza's posts
I commented on Moriah and Eliza's posts
Oh wow that is a super interesting parallel-thank you for sharing it, Zelda! I actually blogged on lines 37-39 in Canto 19 and am still somewhat confused on why Dante seems to treat Virgil as his god or savior and yet then turns around and questions thieves and idolaters. He seems to have a few mixed messages going around in his head.
ReplyDeleteI like how you noticed the parallel between washing the feet and burning the feet. This parallel is a very fitting punishment for the Simonists. These people took aspects of the Church and used them for their own benefit. Now in Hell, aspects of the Church are being used for their punishment. That may not have been what Dante intended, but it is interesting to think about.
ReplyDeleteYour explanation of Holy Thursday gave me a much better understanding into Dante's words. I believe he meant for this to serve as an ironic punishment for the Simonists. Otherwise I have no idea how this punishment would symbolize their sinful act. I like how you pointed out Dante's confession to Virgil as Lord. I am questioning whether Dante has even remotely thought about the punishments he was witnessing. He has too much sympathy for some of the people in hell and its driving me crazy. Unless I read something to convince me otherwise, Dante is terrible at picking role models.
ReplyDeleteThe parallel you just made with that was super interesting. I had heard something about the washing of feet because my step-sister is catholic, but it did not even cross my mind when I read that. I actually just wrote my blog post on the last paragraph you wrote on as well.
ReplyDeleteZ, the connection you made with the feet washing and the feet burning just answered so many questions I had about that part of Canto 19. It makes so much sense now and I can see how that punishment was so fitting! Thank you for bringing this up!
ReplyDelete-Madison Flowers