Alexander Schmid Podcast

In this lecture, we discuss (a) structural similarities and differences between Dante's "Purgatorio" and Dante's "Inferno"; (b) we examine the presence of work, time, rest, hope, and transformation in Dante's "Purgatorio", and (c) we conclude by considering the steps of repentance and the two divisions of the first part of Purgatory, Ante-Purgatory: (a) the excommunicated and (b) the late-repentant.

In this lecture, we focus on (a) the decision of Achilleus to allow Patroklos to wear his armor and attempt to live-out his fate; (b) the epic battle between Sarpedon and Patroklos, and (c) we witness the beginning of the end for the Trojans: the epic of fall of Patroklos.

In this lecture, we conclude Dante's "Inferno". First (a) we climb down and then up Satan's legs and explain the "reorienting" nature of the journey and transition between hemispheres; (b) we consider Dante's view, allegorically interpreted, of the source of all evil, and (c) we observe Dante and Virgil's emergence outside again where they can, allegorically and literally interpreted, contemplate the stars together.

In this lecture, we consider the entirety of Dante's "Inferno" with particular respect given to: (a) structural aspects of Dante's "The Divine Comedy";(b) outlining all the circles, one through nine, and major characters and figures within them, (c) major geographical features of Hell, and (d) major themes of Dante's "Inferno".

In this lecture, we consider (a) Hera's plan to seduce and distract Zeus from Poseidon's disobedience on the battlefield; (b) the decision of Agamemnon, Diomedes, and Odysseus to rally the troops, though they are injured; and (c) Zeus lays out the workings of fate and shares how the deaths of Sarpedon, Patroklos, and Hektor will lead to the fall of Troy.

In this lecture, we discuss (a) Ptolomaea and Fra. Alberigo's deceptive dinner, (b) the entrance to the final region of Cocytus: Judecca, and (c) the vision and appearance of Lucifer and the traitors lodged eternally in his mouth, in an un-transformative feast.

In this lecture, we discuss (a) Hektor's wild winning streak and his relationship to Poulydamas; (b) we witness the emergence of Poseidon against the will of Zeus and his help of the Achaians; and finally (c) we observe Hektor break through the Achaian wall and the hardest fighting so far between the Aiantes and the Trojan troops led by Hektor!

In this lecture, we consider (a) the giants their acts of transgressing as prefigurations of Lucifer's transgression; (b) we descend to the frozen river Cocytus and meet Bocca who has his name betrayed by another traitorous soul; and (c) we conclude by witnessing the false-sacramental feast of of Count Ugolino (Guelph) on the head of Archbishop Ruggieri (Ghibelline).

In this lecture, we discuss (a) the mounting injuries of the Achaians (Diomedes, Odysseus, Machaon, Eurypylos); (b) Patroklos' mission to Nestor, and Nestor deploys the full-force of his rhetorical appeals to valor, pity, and honor; and finally we conclude by examining (c) the choice Nestor asks Achilleus to make: return to the fighting or allow Patroklos to wear your armor, and this decision's potential consequences.

In this lecture we discuss, (a) Dolon's "folle volo" into the hands of Diomedes and Odysseus, (b) the fate of Rhesos and the Thracians, and (c) we move into Book XI (11) where we discuss Agamemnon's "aristeia" and (d) observe the tides of battle shift against the Achaians as the first of many major injuries occurs and Hektor takes the field.