In this lecture we (a) conclude the analysis by Marco Lombardo of the relationship between the influence of the stars and free will; (b) we observe examples of the expiating virtue of "gentleness/meekness" and the vice of wrath; (c) we then spend the middle cantos of "Purgatorio" (and the entire Divine Comedy 16-17; 50-51) considering free will and its relationship to natural and rational love (one must liberate one's will in order to love appropriately, not enslaved by error or sin);

Note: Technically, the true center of Dante's "Purgatorio"/"The Divine Comedy" is Canto 16 where Dante's consideration of free-will is. Canto 17, thus, shows the appropriate use of the free will: rationally loving what is appropriate (the correct object) with appropriate vigor (neither too much: avarice, gluttony, lust), nor too little (sloth).