Into the Fire

Introduction

Gloria Naylor’s invokes the story of Dante, an earthly man who is guided through Hell by the Roman poet Virgil in her novel Linden Hills.  The character is named after the author and poet of The Inferno, Dante Alighieri in the early 1300s.  The Inferno is combined with Purgatorio and Paradiso to complete the epic poem known as La Divina Comedia or The Divine Comedy.

 Now that you too have read this epic poem written in Terza Rima, what is your version of the 9 "circles" of hell, and their modern equivalents?

Task

Create a one page diagram that illustrates nine levels of punishment (you must use a different format than the concentric circles – eg: keys on the piano, anything with descending levels – be creative). 

For each level of your diagram, label it with the following:

a) the title that Dante gives to this level of hell/punishment

b) your own original, concise, and straightforward definition the sins which doom sinners to this particular level.

c) a contemporary example of an individual who would reside in this level after the end of earthly existence (someone living, pop culture, current events, someone we would be familiar with).  Write the name of the individual (or group) and a concise, well-worded one-sentence description of the person’s blameworthy sin.

d) a picture of the person described in part C or a picture of an object that symbolizes the nature of this level’s sin.

e) label the level of hell you would fall into.

Process

1.  Suggestion: Create a simple line sketch to test your understanding of information learned while reading The Inferno.  This sketch or plan will serve as a type of rough draft.

 

2.  Look back at your notes and close reading charts.  Consult diagrams of the 9 circles of hell.

3.  As you review each circle of Hell, make every effort to think of public figures (from the last 100 years, but living would be better – can be historical, entertainment, pop culture figures) who, in your view, might reside in the circles, based on specific actions or overall attitudes and reputations.  Jot these down.

 

4.  Select a new context, a new setting, for your modern translation of Dante’s underworld.  (ideas: a haunted house, a blender, a road map, a video game flow chart, the hierarchy of government positions, etc…. the possibilities are endless)  BE CREATIVE and make it unique to you or something you are interested in...think back to the activity you did where you described hell as if it were the city of Castle Rock.

 

5.  Draw or glue an image of your new setting to the butcher paper provided or a poster board you brought in.  Then proceed to partition it and label it, as described in the original task.

6.  You need to decide what level of hell you could find yourself.  You can do this by simply guessing, or you could take this quiz and see where it places you.  Your answers to the questions are anonymous and are not recorded anywhere.  REMEMBER the quiz is OPTIONAL, but the labeling is not!

            http://www.4degreez.com/misc/dante-inferno-test.mv

7.  Your final diagrams will be presented to the class.

Evaluation

The following is the rubric I will use for both your final product and your presentation.  If you notice there is no option to receive a D on this assignment.

Beginning 1

(D)

Developing 2

(C)

Very Good

3

(B)

Exemplary 4

(A)

Score

Diagram format and graphics

 

All graphics present are appropriate and accomplish the task. Some levels may be missing graphics. The diagram chosen is the basic circles and shows little creativity.

All graphics present are appropriate and accomplish the task. Some levels may be missing graphics. The diagram chosen is creative.

All graphics are appropriate and accomplish the task.  The diagram chosen is creative.

All graphics are appropriate and accomplish the task.  There are more graphics than the minimum required. The diagram chosen is creative.

Labeling

 

 

Most labels are accurate.  The creator's level of hell is not labeled.  The explanation of the blameworthy sin and definition are greatly lacking or missing all together.

All labels are accurate.  The creator's level of hell is labeled.  The explanation of the blameworthy sin and definition of each level is present.  Some areas may be incomplete or possess grammatical errors.

All labels are accurate.  The creator's level of hell is labeled.  The explanation of the blameworthy sin and definition of each level is present. 

All labels are accurate.  The creator's level of hell is labeled.  The explanation of the blameworthy sin and definition of each level is exceptionally well written. 

Presentation

 

 

The presenter explains most or all aspects, but not thoroughly.  It is evident he/she has  not done the research required.  The presentation is scattered and not  planned.

The presenter explains most or all aspects, but not thoroughly.  It is evident he/she has  done the research.  The presentation is lackluster and not well planned.

The presenter explains everything and shows an understanding of the purpose and intent of the task at hand.  It is evident he/she has worked hard and done the research.  The presentation is planned and well thought out.

The presenter explains everything in great detail and shows a thorough understanding of the purpose and intent of the task at hand.  It is evident he/she has worked hard and done the research.  The presentation is planned and well thought out.

Conclusion

Now that you have created your diagram, you will present it to the class and explain your choices for each level.  Through this process you have accomplished the following skills:

1. Students read and understand a variety of materials.

2. Students write and speak for a variety of purposes and audiences.

3. Students write and speak using conventional grammar, usage, sentence structure, punctuation, capitalization, and spelling.

4. Students apply thinking skills to their reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing.

5. Students read to locate, select, and make use of relevant information from a variety of media, reference, and technological sources.

6. Students read and recognize literature as a record of human experience.

Credits

Teacher Page

I have created this after we read all of Dante's Inferno.  It is not required that you read the entire poem to complete this webquest.  In combination with reading portions or all of the poem, this webquest addresses all the major standards for the state of Colorado.

1. Students read and understand a variety of materials.

2. Students write and speak for a variety of purposes and audiences.

3. Students write and speak using conventional grammar, usage, sentence structure, punctuation, capitalization, and spelling.

4. Students apply thinking skills to their reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing.

5. Students read to locate, select, and make use of relevant information from a variety of media, reference, and technological sources.

6. Students read and recognize literature as a record of human experience.

I give permission for anyone to adapt and use this webquest in part or in whole.  We all benefit from sharing resources!

Angela Anderson