MARIANO MARCOS STATE UNIVERSITY
Graduate School
A Learning Module in
English Grade 10
Italian Literature: The Divine Comedy
In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements
for LIT203
Prepared by:
GEO PATRICK R. BUENAVISTA
MaEd Lang/Lit Student
Submitted to:
JEANETTE G. DIALS
Professor
Second Semester
A.Y. 2020-2021
UNIT 2: Lesson 3
INTRODUCTION
Epics are so far the most appraised form of literature in many countries because of
its early existence, cultural, and historical basis of prehistoric ways of living. Moreover, it
opens a door of endless exploration because of its elements, form, structure as well as
values that aims to teach timeless generations.
The Epic Poem Divine Comedy is one of the most remarkable epics not just in Europe
but in the whole world, not because it is designated to teach under world literature but
because of its themes that touches world-wide humanitarian issues. With the collective
existence of human reformation, allegorical and entertaining tone, this epic engulfs its
benefits to instructive teaching, metaphorical thinking, and moral and spiritual perfection.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of the lesson, the Grade 10 students should have:
a. illustrated idea based on concept given;
b. shared understanding about the lives of people in medieval period;
c. expressed understanding of the epic poem Divine Comedy;
d. developed their own version of Dante’s description of inferno through infographics;
e. deciphered allegories embedded in the excerpt.; and
f. written an exposition on a familiar issue to include key structural elements and
language features
INITIAL TASK: THINK AND DRAW!
In our everyday lives, we always encounter objects in our way. From the moment we wake
up until we sleep. These objects are significant to us because of their characteristics where
we can find our similarities. Like a book, we usually associate it with knowledge.
For your first task, you draw an object which you think would represent the concept of faith
and obedience to God’s laws. After which, write a simple explanation why you chose the
object.
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PRE-READING ACTIVITY: GLIPSE OF A DISTANT PAST
Have you dreamed of becoming a king, queen,
prince, princess, maiden, or even a peasant? Well,
before we learn our interesting masterpiece for today,
we are going to explore the world of Medieval Period.
You are going to watch a video through this link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEfPkQDC-Ug
to learn more about the society.
SHARE YOUR REACTIONS: What interesting facts about characteristics of people have
you learned base on the video of medieval society that you watched? Also, do you wish
to travel through time and experience medieval life? Why or why not? Write them down
on the space provided below.
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READING THE TEXT
In your years of existence, what have your learned about the life after death? How
seriously have you thought about it? Does it affect your lifestyle and behavior here on
earth? How?
Now that you are done sharing your insights about that object let us read
an excerpt of the Divine Comedy. But first, let us know more about the
author. Dante Alighieri who was born in Florence of a prominent family.
He apparently played a leading part in politics, rising to the highest
local position in 1300. Soon afterwards, another part rose to power.
Dante was accused of a crime and was exiled. Later, a decree was
passed that they paid a fine. He continued to live at Ravenna where
his daughter was a nun and his son a benefice. He was well-liked at
Ravenna and when he died, he was buried with highest honors.
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Divine Comedy
An Excerpt by Dante Alighieri
(The Divine Comedy reflects the turmoil of the 13th century and deals with the principal
concern of the medieval person – preparation for the life after death. The literary piece
shows Dante’s great love for Beatrice whom he worshipped from a distance. It is an
allegory of a human soul’s journey through hell and purgatory (guided by Vigil a great
Roman poet) and on to heaven, finally guided Beatrice.)
1“Through me is the way into the woeful city; through me is the way into the eternal
woe; through me is the way among the lost people. Justice moved my lofty maker; the
divine Power, the supreme Wisdom and the primal Love made me. Before me were no
things created, save eternal and I eternal last. Leave every hope, ye who enter!”
10These words of obscure color I saw written at the top of a gate; whereat I: “Master,
their meaning is dire to me.”
13And he to me, like a person well advised: “Here it behoves to eave every fear; it
behoves that all cowardice should here be dead. We have come to the place where I have
told thee that thou shalt see the woeful people, who have lost the good of the
understanding.”
19And when he had put his hand on mine with a cheerful look, wherefrom I took
courage, he brought me within to the secret things. Here sighs. Laments, and deep
wailings were resounding through the starless air; wherefore at first I wept thereat.
Strange tongues, horrible utterances, words of woes, accents of anger, voices high and
faint, and sounds of hands with them, were making a tumult which whirls always in that
air forever dark, like the sand when the whirlwind breathes.
31And I, who had my head girt with horror, said: “Master, what is that which I hear?
And what folk it is that seems to overcome with its woe?”
34And he to me: “The wretched souls of those who lived without infamy and without
praise maintain this miserable mode. They are mingled with that choir of angels, who were
not rebels, nor were faithful to God, but were for themselves. The heavens chased them
out in order to be nor led beautiful, nor does the deep Hell receive them, for the damned
would have some toast of them.”
41And I: “Master, what is so grievous in them, that makes them lament so bitterly?”
43He answered: “I will tell thee very briefly. These have not hope of death; and their
blind life is so debased, that they are envious of every other lot. Fame of them the world
permits not to be; mercy and justice disdain them. Let us not speak of them, but do thou
look and pass on.”
52And I, who was gazing, saw a banner, which, whirling, ran so swiftly that it seemed
to me disdainful of any pause, and behind it came so long a train of folk, that I could never
have believed death had undone so many. After I had recognized some among them, I
saw and knew the shade of him who made, through cowardice, the great refusal. At once
I understood and was certain, that this was the sect displeasing to God and to his
enemies. These wretches, who never were alive, were naked and must stung by gad-flied
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and by wasps that were there; these streaked their faces with blood, which, mingled with
tears, was gathered at their feet by loathsome worms.
70And when I gave myself to looking around, I saw people on the bank of a great river;
wherefore I said: “Master, now grant to me that I may know who these are, and what rule
makes them appear so ready to pass over, as I discern through the faint light.” And he to
me; “The things will be clear to thee, when we shall stay our steps on the sad shore of
Acheron.” Then with eyes ashamed and downcast, fearing lest my speech might be
troublesome to him, far as to the river I refrained from speaking.”
82And behold! Coming toward us in a boat, an old man, white with ancient hair, crying:
“Woe to you, wicked souls! Hope not ever to see the Heavens! I come to carry you to the
other bank, into the eternal darkness, into heat and into frost. And thou art there, living
soul, depart from these that are dead.” But when he saw that I did not depart, he said “By
another way, by other parts thou shalt come o the shore, not here, for passage, a lighter
bark must carry thee.”
96And my Leader to him: “Charon, vex not thyself; it is thus willed these where power
for that which is willed; and ask no more.” Thereon were quiet the fleecy jaws of the
ferryman of the livid marsh, who round shoot his eyes had wheels of flame.
100But those souls who were weary and naked, changed color and gnashed their teeth,
soon as they heard his cruel words. They blasphemed God and their parents, the human
race, the place, the time and the seed of their sowing and of their birth. Then, all of them
bitterly weeping drew together to the evil bank, which awaits every man who fears not
God. Charon, the demon, with eyes glowing of coal, beckoning to them, collects them all;
he beats with his oar whoever lingers.
112As in autumn the leaves depart one after the other, until the bough sees all its spoils
upon the earth, in likewise the evil seeds of Adam throw themselves from that shore one
by one, at signals, as the bird at his recall. Thu they go over the dusky wave, and before
they have landed on the farther side, already in this new throng is assembled.
121“My son,” said the courteous Master, “those who die in the wrath of God, all come
together here from every land; and they are eager to pass over the stream, for the divine
justice spurs them so that fear is turned to desire. A good soul never passes this way; and
therefore Charon fret at thee, well mayest thou now know what his speech signifies.
130This ended, the gloomy plain trembled so mightily, that the memory of the terror
even now bathes me with sweat. The tearful land gave forth a wind that flashed a crimson
light which vanquished all sensation in me, and I fell as a man whom slumber seized.
COMPREHENSION CHECK
1. What deterrent phrase was posted at the top of the gate?
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2. Base on the descriptions of Dante, what do you think is the setting of his journey?
Why do you say so?
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3. Do you find any biblical significance in the journey or whereabouts of Dante? What
are these similarities?
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4. What do you think is the main reason why Dante wrote this epic? Who are the
intended audience of this epic? Who are these people?
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5. What type of society do you think this masterpiece intends to relay its message? Why
do you say so?
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6. What must have been the main reason why Dante chose this place to instruct his
readers?
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7. In this present generation, do you think there are valuable lessons we can learn from
this epic poem? Describe this generation and explain why is it significant at the
present.
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APPLICATION
Great job! Now that you have understood the Divine Comedy, you are now tasked to
find a group of 5. In this activity, you are going to make a collection of allegories
though an infographic. You are going to choose 5 to 10 sentences from the excerpt
and decipher a message for each that could address social issues. Your
understanding of the excerpt will reflect in your infographic. You output will be
evaluated by the criteria below:
Neatness of Work – 25%
Correctness and Understanding – 50%
Presentation of the Output – 25%
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TAKEAWAYS
• The journey of Dante Alighieri in the Divine Comedy does not only narrate
adventures, rather, it is a metaphor of spiritual journey.
• Each layer of Inferno has its corresponding sin which is common to humanity.
These sins that he had highlighted reflects his observation in the real world.
Since this is allegorical, one of the major objectives in writing this epic poem
is for social reconstruction and spiritual instruction.
• During Dante’s period, people in his community and the church have their
own dark agenda. People are spiritually corrupted because of social,
economic, and other factors. These have fueled Dante in writing the Divine
Comedy for the purpose of spiritual reformation hoping that humanity’s
obedience to God will bring back the prosperity they once have.
• An allegory is a literary device where a poem or story has a hidden religious
or political meaning hiding just under the surface. People, places, things, and
even the plot all contribute to the allegory. And, it runs through the entire
piece, not just a chapter or verse.
EVALUATION
We are almost done with our journey! For your final task, you are going to choose one
issue on the excerpt and write an expository speech. Use a separate sheet of paper
for your answer. Prior in writing your exposition, you are tasked to write down below
a plan of your composition in order to observe good flow and direction.
Issue Presented: ______________________
Title of the Expository Speech: ______________________
Introduction (What to include): ___________________________________
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Body (What to include): ___________________________________
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Conclusion (What to conclude): ___________________________________
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Criteria:
Organization and Structure – 40%
Language Features – 20%
Relevance of Issue – 20 %
Content – 20%
YOUR REFLECTION
In this lesson, what have you realized? What is your reaction with the
message of the epic poem? What have you learned? How did the excerpt affected
you? What experience did the poem bring you? Go on, write your experiences and
share your thoughts!
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GOING BEYOND: DIGITAL DANTE
The world of Dante Alighieri is a vast and interesting world. Conspiracy theorists also believe some of
Dante’s claims and ideas because of its mystery and significance to the real world. To know more
about the deeper world of the Divine Comedy, click the link below and explore interesting outputs and
inputs about the epic poem. Have fun exploring!
Link: https://digitaldante.columbia.edu/
The Website:
QUIZ ME! QUIZ ME!
Multiple Choice. Read the items carefully and choose the letter of the best answer.
1. Which is not true about Divine Comedy?
a. It reflects the turmoil of the 14th century and deals with the principal concern of the
medieval person.
b. It shows a preparation for the life after death.
c. It shows Dante’s great love for Beatrice whom he worshipped from a distance.
d. It is an allegory of a human soul’s journey through hell and purgatory.
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2. What figure of speech is evident in the excerpt below?
“Through me is the way into the woeful city; through me is the way into the eternal
woe; through me is the way among the lost people.
a. oxymoron b. anaphora c. simile d. personification
3. The excerpt below vividly appeals to what sense?
“These words of obscure color I saw written at the top of a gate; whereat I: “Master,
their meaning is dire to me.”
a. visual b. auditory c. olfactory d. gustatory
4. The excerpt provided exemplifies what figure of speech?
The heavens chased them out in order to be nor led beautiful, nor does the deep Hell
receive them, for the damned would have some toast of them.
a. smile b. hyperbole c. personification d. metaphor
For items 5-7 refer to this excerpt.
“The things will be clear to thee, when we shall stay our steps on the sad shore of
Acheron.” Then with eyes ashamed and downcast, fearing lest my speech might be
troublesome to him, far as to the river I refrained from speaking.”
5. In the first sentence of the excerpt, what sound device is evidently encrypted?
a. onomatopoeia b. alliteration c. consonance d. assonance
6. What does those ashamed eyes fear in the second sentence?
a. the fear of leading into a distant river
b. the fear of being misunderstood which might be upsetting
c. the fear of constant suffering
d. the fear of speaking to the river
7. The term lest from the excerpt is an example of what part of speech?
a. noun b. verb c. conjunction d. adjective
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For items 8-9 refer to this excerpt.
“This ended, the gloomy plain trembled so mightily, that the memory of the terror even
now bathes me with sweat. The tearful land gave forth a wind that flashed a crimson
light which vanquished all sensation in me, and I fell as a man whom slumber seized.”
8. What dominant figure of speech is used in the excerpt?
a. personification b. simile c. metaphor d. allegory
9. Why did Dante use tearful in describing the land?
a. it emphasizes the exact sensation of the scenario which is mournful
b. it gives a strong implication that the land is literally crying
c. it embarks a feeling of heaviness because of the lost land
d. it describes the crimson light that has been very invading
10. How did Dante maximize the utilization of allegory in the text?
a. He embedded understatements and used these to emphasize points through stating it in
negative manner.
b. He used ostensible self-contradictions in illustrating rhetorical points and in revealing
paradoxes.
c. He made comparison between two things that are not alike but do have something in
common.
d. He illustrated complex ideas and concepts in ways that are comprehensible and striking to
all senses.
***END OF QUIZ***
LIST OF REFERENCES
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEfPkQDC-Ug
https://digitaldante.columbia.edu/
Abarabar M., et. Al., 2016 Language in Literature: World Literature. Vibal Publishing House. 1253
Gregorio Araneta Avenue, Quezon City, 1114 Metro Manila. Retrieved on March 8, 2021.
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