Topic: Theme and Symbol in Medieval Literature Topic: Write a clearly organized essay in which you identify the theme you see in Canto 1 of Dante Alighieri’s Inferno and the way symbol and/or allegory is used to develop that theme (Norton 929–934
Paper details:
Further Instructions for Topic 2: The purpose of this essay is to develop an original, close, and in-depth
analysis of the text. Therefore, start by rereading Canto 1 very carefully. In developing your essay, address
ONLY Canto 1 of Dante’s “Inferno.” Develop a clear thesis (argument) about the way you interpret the
theme and the use of symbol and/or allegory in that Canto and use that argument to shape your essay as
a whole. For instance, Is Dante saying something more profound or spiritual on a symbolic level than he
appears to be saying on a literal level? What symbols does he use to create that deeper meaning? Be
specific and develop your discussion by providing examples and quoting selectively and explaining how that
evidence supports your ideas. Read the rest of this document carefully for full instructions.
NB: If you are using the online versions because you do not yet have the book, please see the relevant links
in Week 5. Remember, you are only discussing Canto 1 if you choose this topic.
General Requirements for Either Essay: