Outhne: Inferno I

Dante, having lost his way, in a dark wood

hint of dawn: the sun on a mountaintop

simile: survivor of shipwreck looking back at sea

journey resumed; ascending the slope; a leopard

dawn and reassurance

a lion renews his fear; a she-wolf drives him back

simile: merchant (or gambler?) losing everything

apparition (of Virgil) and Dante’s first words

Virgil identifies himself

his pointed question to Dante

Dante’s recognition, praise of Virgil; plea for aid

Virgil’s warning: power of the she-wolf

Virgil’s prophecy of the hound that will defeat her

Virgil will guide Dante through two realms to a third

Virgil: a second guide will take him to those in bliss, since he is not allowed into that realm

Dante agrees to be led through the first two realms

the two set out