Discuss apparent differences between Dante’s medieval Christianity and Christianity today (avoid obvious distinctions between Catholicism and Protestant Christianity more generally).
Consider specific sins that most or many do not consider sinful today (such as usury, or lending money at interest [Canto XI]). How can behavior be sinful in one era and not in another when these sins are specifically described in the Bible?
Evaluate Dante’s graded classifications of various sins, proceeding from the least to the worst as Dante and Virgil descend lower into the depths of hell. Point out any sins that you think should be shifted either higher or lower in the scale (least terrible at top, worst at bottom).
