The three beasts Dante encounters in Canto 1 seem to be more than simple animals to be encounter in the dream-like forest. As I am best able to discern, each represents a person's dissent into sin. First comes the Leopard; understandably dangerous and deadly, yet so alluring with it's beautiful spotted coat. It lures you in then stays with you, guiding you down the road of it's own choosing. Then comes the ambush. Out first is the Lion; a rush of adrenaline, fueling the lusts and rage deep within you, and drawing them out so that you may indulge in them. Finally, the She-Wolf; the moment the rush fades, the lull in the heart comes, and the drop into a different, more feral lust. The lust for the thrill, for the Lion to come back to quench the new, insatiable hunger burrowing in your belly. These are the beasts we face as Christians every single day. There are many Leopards out there, trying to attract and hold our attention, speaking sweet whispers to our hearts even though we know the dangers, only trying to lead us to the feast of the raging Lion and the starving She-Wolf. It is a struggle each and every day, but it is one we must face as Christians, so that we may eventually find our way out of the forest and into the light of God's grace.
I commented on Olivia and Natalie's posts.
Interesting analogy. In my opinion, it can tie into my own interpretation that Dante being lost in the woods at the beginning of the poem can represent straying off of the path of God.
ReplyDeleteWell ok then! That just blew my mind. It makes sense I just never thought of it that way. I think it's really cool what you and Alex said because it ties in to what Natalie commented on someone else's post. Dante going on this Journey is like Ebenezer Scrooge. This is a journey of the soul and at the the end hopefully it will be better.
ReplyDeleteI feel as though all these different beasts could represent the woman folly found within proverbs. In Scripture, folly calls to those who need rest and entices with lies and desires of the flesh, pulling you in. Your interpretation of the beasts made me think on this.
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