In Canto Two, Dante explains how he feels unworthy of being able to take the journey to "Saint Peter's gate," which is the gates of Purgatory (Dante, 11). In each reading for this class, I try and relate what I read here to something that can challenge, encourage, or relate to my beliefs. In this context, I can relate to what Dante is feeling. While he is trying to trust Virgil, his "teacher, [his] authority," he knows he is not as great as Aeneas or Saint Paul (15). Dante simply does not think himself "worthy" of following Virgil and making the journey (15). Relating to his perspective, I often see my incapabilities and shortcomings, and believe that I am not worthy to know Christ. Yet, just as Virgil does for Dante, God "guides my steps" and can trust (13).
I commented on Alex Puckett's and Hannah Atkins' blog posts!
I think it's interesting how feelings of inadequacy are so universal. This is something common to all even though we and the characters in our readings are all in very different situations, we seem to all have a knack for calling out our weaknesses or insecurities.
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