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We've reached the end of PURGATORIO, Canto VIII, which means we've reached the end of Ante-Purgatory, those cantos and those parts of the mountain before the main gate of Purgatory proper.

Here, Dante changes the tone completely, ending our stay outside of Purgatory proper in praise of generosity--or specifically, the generosity of the Malaspina family.

Join me, Mark Scarbrough, as we head for the main gate of Purgatory on a high note. Some people do indeed do well and live right in this world.

Here are the segments for this episode of WALKING WITH DANTE:

[01:50] My English translation of the passage: PURGATORIO, Canto VIII, lines 109 - 139. If you'd like to read along or drop a comment to continue our conversation, please go to my website: markscarbrough.com.

[04:05] This shade doesn't seem at all interested in the angels or the serpent. Why?

[05:18] Currado's opening speech is incredibly florid. But what is the lantern leading Dante up the mountain?

[08:33] The powerful Malaspina family ruled tracts of Lunigiana.

[11:29] Dante the pilgrim doesn't know what Dante the poet knows all too well.

[13:45] Dante was a peace negotiator for the Malaspina family in 1306.

[18:21] Currado's reply to Dante's praise is a prophecy of Dante's exile--and the care he will need in exile.

[20:54] The beautiful structure of PURGATORIO, Canto VIII.

[23:25] Ante-Purgatory ends on an ethic of care.

[26:31] Rereading the passage: PURGATORIO, Canto VIII, lines 109 - 139.