Inferno : Canto III Written by Dante Alighieri

Title of the story, author

“Inferno : Canto III” written by Dante Alighieri

Summary of the plot/story

The dire words inscribed over the gate of Hell, which end with the famous words, "Abandon hope, all ye who enter here" (line 9), again frighten Dante, and Virgil has to comfort him again, telling him he must give up fear-the words only apply to those who, being dead, are no longer able to choose to turn to God. Once inside the gate he hears the groans of those who, while they were alive, refused to risk choosing either good or evil. They are in a large and undefined area, sometimes called the Vestibule, or Fore-Hell. As Virgil explains, they don't belong in Hell because they lacked the courage to choose evil; if they were in Hell, even the damned would look down on them. They endlessly follow a banner that never takes a stand anywhere, and Dante is amazed how many there are: "I could never have believed that death had undone so many" (lines 56-57). Then Dante and Virgil come to the river Acheron, where a great crowd of people wait to cross. Charon, the boatman, at first says that Dante, being alive, cannot cross, but Virgil tells him that Dante's journey is willed by God, and Charon accepts that. The souls who are waiting to cross curse God and their parents and all the circumstances of their lives. Dante is then deprived of consciousness by a sudden movement of the earth and an intense red flash. The characters had a problem when Charon recognizes Dante as a living man and angrily refuses him passage. My favorite character was Dante because he is conscious of what he sees or senses.

My personal experiences

No, but I know someone in mind that have already dreamt of hell since they were still little. I have not done something yet that is related to the characters of the story.

My opinion

Yes, I really liked the story. My favorite part was the time when they venture into the entrance of hell and my at least favorite is when Charon refuses Dante to proceed.

If I would get a chance to change a part of the story, it would be Dante that he reawakened immediately.

My recommendation

Yes, I would recommend this to somebody else because they would really know what it’s like to be in hell. Somebody who has a taste of greed and tragic would appreciate  this story.

Title of the story, author

“The Song of Roland”, (author is unknown but Taileffer used to be argued as the author of the Song of Roland)

Summary of the plot/story

The novel was about Roland, a brave knight, pure as his heart, fought the  Saracens from Spain but then Count Ganelon betrayed him then killed him. The main characters were Roland, Count Ganelon and Emperor Charlemagne where Roland fought with the Saracens, Count Ganelon was the envoy of Emperor Charlemagne. The characters had a problem with Oliver because when Roland sounds his horn, then Roland would never get to marry Oliver’s Sister, Aude. Count Ganelon traveled with Blancandrin, King Marsilion’s messenger, so that they can plan on getting rid of Roland. My favorite character is Roland because whatever stands on his way, he would not easily gave himself up. Just like when he slayed all Saracens even when he was the only one left of his fellow knights.

My personal experiences

Yes, I have experienced what it is like to be betrayed by that trusted person. In times that I helped a friend in need and that friend just tease and fights you for no certain reason at all.

My opinion

Yes, I liked the story. My favorite part was when  Count Ganelon paid the price for all of his crimes and greedy doings and my at least favorite part was when Roland did not survive in the war and died. If I had given a chance to change something in the story, it would be Roland still alive and be honoured like a true hero.

My recommendation

Yes, I would recommend this to everybody so that they will know that true meaning of bravery comes from inside of you. Persons who like stories in medieval times like this story