About this episode

Dcn. Harrison Garlick and Dr. Jessica Hooten Wilson discuss cantos 13-17 of Dante's Purgatorio, focusing on the themes of envy and wrath.

Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Dcn. Harrison Garlick and Dr. Jessica Hooten Wilson of Pepperdine University discuss cantos 13-17 of Dante's Purgatorio --the purging of envy and wrath. Check out our 51 question and answer guide (35 pages!) to the Purgatorio . Check out our YOUTUBE page which has our episodes in playlists! Dr. Jessica Hooten Wilson joins Deacon Harrison Garlick to discuss Cantos 13–17, covering the terraces of envy (Canto 13) and wrath (Cantos 14–17), with a strong focus on the central discourses in the middle of the Comedy. In Canto 13, the envious have their eyelids sewn shut with iron wire, a contrapasso that forces them to rely on others and recognize interdependence. Wilson explains: “envy is to look cross-eyed on another's blessings... to look askance,” and the disembodied voices proclaim examples of generosity (Cana, “I am Orestes,” “Love them from whom you’ve suffered evil”), teaching a mindset of abundance over scarcity (Dr. Jessica Hooten Wilson). Sapia humbly confesses her envy and malice, contrasting with the divisive souls in Inferno. Cantos 14–15 transition to wrath, with visions of meekness (Mary and Joseph seeking Jesus, a tyrant sparing…

People in this episode

Host: Harrison Garlick

Guest: Dr. Jessica Hooten Wilson

Topics covered

• Dante's Purgatorio
• envy
• wrath
• spiritual goods
• interdependence
• mindset of abundance

Keywords

• Dante
• Purgatorio
• envy
• wrath
• spiritual abundance
• interdependence
• Cantos 13-17

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Purgatorio

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