Take This Quiz On Dante's Inferno Cantos IV And V
Inferno is the first part of Dante's Divine Comedy, in which he describes his journey through hell, guided by the Roman poet Virgil. He described hell as nine circles of torment located inside the earth. This quiz has been created to test your knowledge about the fourth and fifth cantos of Dante's Inferno. So, let's try out the quiz. All the best!
- 1.
What caused Virgil to go pale when he and Dante reached the edge of the descent into the First Circle?
- A.
Fear
- B.
Anger
- C.
Pity
- D.
Shame
Correct Answer
C. PityExplanation
When Virgil and Dante reached the edge of the descent into the First Circle, Virgil went pale due to pity. This suggests that Virgil was deeply affected by the suffering and torment he knew awaited the souls in the First Circle. Pity is an emotion of compassion and empathy, and witnessing the plight of these souls likely overwhelmed Virgil, causing him to go pale.Rate this question:
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- 2.
What sort of souls make up the great multitude of Limbo?
- A.
Souls who did not sin and were not baptized.
- B.
Souls who were not born and did not sin.
- C.
Souls who sinned but repented after death.
- D.
Souls whose sins were pecuniary.
Correct Answer
A. Souls who did not sin and were not baptized.Explanation
The correct answer is "Souls who did not sin and were not baptized." This is because Limbo is believed to be a place where the souls of unbaptized infants and virtuous individuals who died before the coming of Christ are said to reside. These souls are considered to be without sin but are unable to enter heaven due to the lack of baptism.Rate this question:
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- 3.
What occasioned the singular release of a number of souls from Limbo?
- A.
The Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
- B.
The appearance of a Mighty One crowned in victory.
- C.
The founding of the Roman Empire by Aeneas.
- D.
The defeat of Satan by the Archangel Gabriel.
Correct Answer
B. The appearance of a Mighty One crowned in victory.Explanation
The correct answer is "The appearance of a Mighty One crowned in victory." This suggests that the singular release of souls from Limbo was caused by the appearance of a powerful figure who achieved victory. This implies that this figure had the authority or power to release the souls from Limbo.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Who are the four great shades who welcome Dante into their company?
- A.
Aristotle, Plato, Socrates, and Zeno.
- B.
Homer, Horace, Ovid, and Lucan.
- C.
Cicero, Juvenal, Tacitus, and Seneca.
- D.
Hector, Aeneas, Caesar, and Brutus.
Correct Answer
B. Homer, Horace, Ovid, and Lucan.Explanation
The correct answer is Homer, Horace, Ovid, and Lucan. These four individuals are considered great shades because they were prominent ancient Roman poets. Homer is known for his epic poems, the Iliad and the Odyssey. Horace was a lyric poet who wrote during the reign of Emperor Augustus. Ovid was a poet known for his Metamorphoses and his love poetry. Lucan was a poet who wrote the epic poem Pharsalia. These four poets are significant figures in Roman literature and their works have had a lasting impact.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Who is the Master of those who know?
- A.
Plato
- B.
Socrates
- C.
Democritus
- D.
Aristotle
Correct Answer
D. AristotleExplanation
Aristotle is considered to be the Master of those who know because he was a renowned philosopher and scientist in ancient Greece. He was a student of Plato and went on to become the teacher of Alexander the Great. Aristotle made significant contributions to various fields including logic, biology, ethics, and politics. His works, such as "Nicomachean Ethics" and "Metaphysics," have had a profound influence on Western philosophy and continue to be studied and debated to this day.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Who initially forbids Dante's entrance into the Second Circle?
- A.
Minos
- B.
Charon
- C.
Hades
- D.
Cerberus
Correct Answer
A. MinosExplanation
Minos initially forbids Dante's entrance into the Second Circle. In Dante's Inferno, Minos is depicted as the judge of the underworld who assigns souls to their appropriate circle of Hell based on their sins. When Dante and his guide, Virgil, reach the Second Circle, Minos stands as the guardian and determines whether they are allowed to proceed further. Minos' role as the one who forbids Dante's entrance into the Second Circle highlights his authority and the strict judgment that awaits sinners in Hell.Rate this question:
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- 7.
How are the pairs of forbidden lovers punished in the Second Circle?
- A.
By eternal separation from the beloved.
- B.
By the fiery pitchforks of the devils.
- C.
By the ever-turning wheel and rack.
- D.
By the black winds of the abysmal tempest.
Correct Answer
D. By the black winds of the abysmal tempest.Explanation
In the Second Circle of Dante's Inferno, the pairs of forbidden lovers are punished by the black winds of the abysmal tempest. This punishment symbolizes the turmoil and chaos that their illicit love caused during their lives. The black winds represent the torment and suffering that they must endure for eternity, being constantly tossed and battered by the violent storm. This punishment serves as a fitting retribution for their sinful actions, as they are forever trapped in a state of unrest and torment.Rate this question:
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- 8.
How does Virgil tell Dante to summon the lovers with whom he wishes to speak?
- A.
In the name of Christ.
- B.
By the curse that binds them.
- C.
By the love that guides them.
- D.
In the name of Venus.
Correct Answer
C. By the love that guides them.Explanation
Virgil tells Dante to summon the lovers with whom he wishes to speak by the love that guides them. This suggests that the power of love is the key to connecting with the lovers and initiating a conversation with them. Love is portrayed as a guiding force that can bridge the gap between Dante and the lovers, allowing for communication and understanding.Rate this question:
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- 9.
What is the name of the adulteress for whom Dante feels great pity?
- A.
Julia
- B.
Francesca
- C.
Beatrice
- D.
Rachel
Correct Answer
B. FrancescaExplanation
Francesca is the correct answer because in Dante's Inferno, he encounters Francesca da Rimini, who is condemned to the second circle of Hell for her adulterous affair with her brother-in-law. Dante feels great pity for Francesca because her tragic love story led to her eternal damnation.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Reading a book about whom served as a Galahalt, (or Galeotto), for the adulteress with whom Dante speaks?
- A.
Launcelot
- B.
Guinevere
- C.
Romeo
- D.
Bathsheba
Correct Answer
A. LauncelotExplanation
The correct answer is Launcelot. In Dante's Divine Comedy, Launcelot is mentioned as the character who served as a Galahalt (or Galeotto) for the adulteress with whom Dante speaks. This reference is likely to the story of Lancelot and Guinevere from Arthurian legend, where Lancelot becomes involved in an adulterous affair with Queen Guinevere. Therefore, Launcelot is the correct answer as he fits the description given in the question.Rate this question:
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Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
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Current Version
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Aug 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Feb 20, 2010Quiz Created by
Voxday
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