1.
Who sent Virgil to guide the protagonist?
Correct Answer
B. Beatrice
Explanation
Beatrice sent Virgil to guide the protagonist. In Dante's Divine Comedy, Beatrice is a symbol of divine love and represents the path to salvation. She is the one who intercedes on behalf of the protagonist and asks Virgil, a renowned poet from the classical era, to guide him through Hell and Purgatory. Beatrice's role as a guide highlights her importance in leading the protagonist towards spiritual enlightenment and ultimately to God.
2.
Who, according to Dante, is the father of Rome?
Correct Answer
A. Aeneas, father of Silvius
Explanation
According to Dante, Aeneas is considered the father of Rome because he was the legendary founder of the city and the father of Silvius, who was the ancestor of Romulus and Remus. Dante's work, "The Divine Comedy," includes references to Aeneas and his role in the founding of Rome, making him an important figure in Roman mythology and history.
3.
How many blessed Ladies of Heaven does Virgil tell Dante cared for his plight?
Correct Answer
C. Three
Explanation
In Dante's Divine Comedy, Virgil tells Dante that three blessed Ladies of Heaven, namely the Virgin Mary, Lucia, and Beatrice, cared for his plight. These three women are portrayed as intercessors who guide and protect Dante throughout his journey through Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven. The number three holds symbolic significance in Christian theology, representing the Holy Trinity, and the presence of these three Ladies emphasizes their importance in Dante's spiritual journey.
4.
What keeps Dante from ascending the Beauteous Mount in the second canto?
Correct Answer
D. Fear
Explanation
In the second canto of Dante's Divine Comedy, the protagonist, Dante, encounters three beasts that block his path to the Beauteous Mount, which symbolizes spiritual enlightenment. One of these beasts is a leopard, which represents fraud and deceit. However, it is fear that ultimately prevents Dante from ascending the mount. This fear may stem from the unknown, the challenges he may face on his spiritual journey, or the consequences of his actions. It is this fear that keeps Dante from progressing and signifies the obstacles one must overcome to achieve enlightenment.
5.
What is NOT found through the door that begins the third canto?
Correct Answer
C. The dolorous garde
Explanation
In the third canto, the door does not lead to the dolorous garde. The other options mentioned, such as the city dolent, the eternal dole, and the people lost, may be found through the door. However, the dolorous garde is not one of the things that can be accessed or encountered by entering through the door.
6.
What is to be abandoned by those who enter through the door?
Correct Answer
B. All hope
Explanation
Those who enter through the door are required to abandon all hope. This suggests that the door represents a new beginning or a fresh start, where one must let go of any expectations or attachments to outcomes. By abandoning hope, individuals may be more open to embracing the present moment and accepting whatever unfolds without clinging to specific desires or expectations. This concept aligns with the idea of detaching oneself from desires and finding contentment in the present moment.
7.
What grief-filled group is rejected by both Heaven and Hell?
Correct Answer
C. The caitiff choir of angels
Explanation
The caitiff choir of angels is a grief-filled group that is rejected by both Heaven and Hell. This suggests that they are neither deemed worthy of entering Heaven nor condemned to Hell. The term "caitiff" typically refers to someone who is cowardly or despicable, implying that these angels may have committed some kind of wrongdoing or betrayal. Their rejection by both Heaven and Hell indicates that they are in a state of limbo or eternal suffering, unable to find solace or redemption in either realm.
8.
What river did Virgil and Dante reach after passing through the gate?
Correct Answer
A. Acheron
Explanation
After passing through the gate, Virgil and Dante reached the river Acheron. In Greek mythology, Acheron is known as the "river of woe" and is considered one of the five rivers of the Underworld. It is often depicted as the boundary between the mortal world and the afterlife. Virgil and Dante's journey through the gate signifies their descent into the realm of the dead, with Acheron being the first obstacle they encounter on their path.
9.
What ancient demon attempts to reject Dante's passage before being rebuked by Virgil?
Correct Answer
C. Charon
Explanation
Charon is the correct answer because in Dante's Inferno, Charon is the ancient demon who guards the entrance to Hell and attempts to reject Dante's passage. However, he is rebuked by Virgil, Dante's guide, and ultimately allows them to cross the river Styx into the underworld. Charon is depicted as a grim and menacing figure, ferrying the souls of the damned to their eternal punishment.
10.
What awaits every man who fears not God?
Correct Answer
D. The accursed shore
Explanation
The correct answer, "The accursed shore," suggests that those who do not fear God will face a negative consequence or punishment. The term "accursed" implies a state of being cursed or condemned, indicating that these individuals will be condemned to a shore that is associated with suffering or punishment. This answer aligns with the idea that those who do not fear God will face some form of negative outcome or retribution.