Blatant scorn for sinners is demonstrated when Dante stumbles upon Bocca Degli Abbati in Antenora, threatening him with violence and naming him a “Filthy traitor” (270). Such contempt towards those who have broken God’s laws is symbolic of Dante’s move toward spiritual enlightenment because Dante as now believes and is acting in accordance with the moral code of heaven, and he can now begin to live his life according to that code, thus remain on the path to righteousness. In contrast to Virgil’s reaction toward Dante sympathizing with the sinners, Virgil’s response to Dante’s disdain for the sinners is pride and approval, Dante noting of Virgil’s response to such actions, “I think, indeed, it [pleases] my guide: his look [is] all approval… of the truth I [speak]” (170). This reaction is significant because show that in Virgil, as Dante’s guide and teacher, is recognizing that Dante is acquiring the more rigid moral code required of him by
Blatant scorn for sinners is demonstrated when Dante stumbles upon Bocca Degli Abbati in Antenora, threatening him with violence and naming him a “Filthy traitor” (270). Such contempt towards those who have broken God’s laws is symbolic of Dante’s move toward spiritual enlightenment because Dante as now believes and is acting in accordance with the moral code of heaven, and he can now begin to live his life according to that code, thus remain on the path to righteousness. In contrast to Virgil’s reaction toward Dante sympathizing with the sinners, Virgil’s response to Dante’s disdain for the sinners is pride and approval, Dante noting of Virgil’s response to such actions, “I think, indeed, it [pleases] my guide: his look [is] all approval… of the truth I [speak]” (170). This reaction is significant because show that in Virgil, as Dante’s guide and teacher, is recognizing that Dante is acquiring the more rigid moral code required of him by