Alexander Schmid Podcast

In this lecture, we discuss (a) Odysseus' transgressing and the destructive flame-like nature of speaking (falsely); (b) observe the drama of Guido da  Montafeltro; (c) we observe the Schismatics (Ditch 9) and then Myrhha, Master Adam, and Sinon in Ditch 10, and then (d) like towers in the distance, we encounter the unintelligible groaning and nearly-immobile giants.

In this lecture, we consider (a) the Malebranche and their allegorical, dramatic, and comic significance; (b) we observe the hypocrites and then Dante's essence-altering transformation of thieves and epic; (c) we conclude with observing Vanni Fucci's weaponized use of truth and by finally reaching Circle 8 bolgia 8, the Deceitful Counselors and Ulysses.

In this lecture, we (a) consider the speeches of Phoinix and Aias the Greater to Achilleus; (b) we then move to the night-counsel and choice of Diomedes and Odysseus as spies, and (c) we conclude by meeting Dolon and seeing the respective Trojans and Achaians go out into the night.

In this lecture, we (a) introduce the first four bolgias of Circle 8: the Malebolgia; (b) we consider the specific sinners of Jason of the Argonauts and Venedico Caccianemico among the panderers and seducers; (b) we then observe the sins and punishments of the flatterers, including Thais, and the Simonists, including Simon Peter; and conclude by (c) witnessing Dante being mistaken for Pope Boniface VIII and then observing the "far-seeing" future seers and their special contrapasso.

In this lecture, we observe (a) Zeus prohibiting the other gods from the battlefield; (b) the last-chance effort of Agamemnon and the Achaians to placate Achilleus by means of an embassy; and (c) the speech of Odysseus to Achilleus. 

In this lecture, we (a) consider in which ways Geryon represents fraud; (b) we consider how fraud makes a predator of a person (like a snake or scorpion), and (c) the remaining two circles (and second half) of Dante's "Inferno".

In this lecture, we (a) review Hektor's trip back to Troy and his farewell speech to Andromache, his wife; (b) we observe single combat between Aias the Greater and Hektor upset by nightfall, and (c) we see weak attempt of Paris and the Trojans to negotiate an end to the war without returning Helen.

In this lecture, we (a) review the first two sub-circles of Circle 7, Violence before continuing through sub-circle 3; (b) we meet and converse with Brunetto Latini, Dante's former teacher, and (c) conclude by considering usury's, sodomy's, and blasphemy's relationship to violence.

In this lecture, we discuss (a) the concept of xenia and (b) its relation to Glaukos and Diomedes' strange interaction and exchange, and (c) we conclude by observing Hektor back in Troy meeting Hekabe, Helen (and Paris), and his wife Andromache.

In this lecture, we (a) begin with a lesson in Italian negation and consider the "negating" aspect of self-harm from Canto 13, Circle 7.2; (b) we observe the pagan Capaneus from The Seven Against Thebes and observe the non-Christian nature of blasphemy, as opposed to Heresy (Circle 6); and (c) we consider the Old Man of Thebes and what his five substances (gold, silver, brass, iron, clay) represent politically and theologically/psychologically.