MORE HISTORICAL PAPER TOPICS:               Professor O’Neil

1. What does the Divine Comedy tell us about the history of Florence?

Beginning with Cacciaguida’s speech in Paradiso 16-17 on 12^th century Florence, 
use at least two other historical passages such as those on the Ghibellines and
Monaperti (Inferno 6 & 10), on Boniface VIII and the Black Guelfs (Inferno 15, 18, 27),
or selections from Purgatorio (eg Purg 24) to discuss Dante’s attitude to his native city. 
What went wrong to destroy the simple virtuous life described by his ancestor in Paradise?   What led to his exile and who is to blame?   
(Refer to Professor O’Neil’s  web page postings for general outlines of events.)

2. What is Dante’s view of the Church in Italy?  Taking a similar approach to that 
described in the above question, you might start with Popes in Hell and the statue of
human history in the Inferno,  the Procession in the Earthly Paradise at the top of the
mountain of Purgatory and other sections on the Church that you find relevant,
especially those referring to Boniface VIII.

3. Why does Dante think the Empire is the only political solution for Italy? 
Use passages  from Paradiso on Henry VII, Dante’s hoped for (but failed) Emperor, Justinian’s speech on Roman history (Paradiso 6), and other sections from Inferno
or Purgatory that might help with this question.

4. What is Dante’s view of women?  Discuss Beatrice as well as other specific
women he encounters, such as Francesca, Pia, Piccarda or others.