Outhne: Inferno Ix

Dante’s pallor, Virgil’s reaction, Dante’s response

Dante’s pointed question and Virgil’s general response

a precision: his previous journey to the pit of hell

Virgil: a need now for assistance in entering the city

the Furies and their threat: Medusa

Virgil’s ministrations to threatened Dante

address to reader (second in poem)

simile: sound of advancing storm

Virgil uncovers Dante’s eyes as the “storm” approaches

simile: frogs leaving pond at the advent of a snake

Dante obeisant before the messenger’s angelic disdain

his speech to the fallen angels and abrupt departure

the poets’ entrance into Dis, force no longer needed

the sixth Circle: a plain of torment

simile: cemeteries at Arles and Pola

the tombs of the heretics, glowing red with heat

Dante’s question and Virgil’s answer: heresy

coda: the rightward turn