Further Instructions for Topic 2: The purpose of this essay is to develop an original, close, and in-depth
analysis of the text. Therefore, start by rereading Canto 1 very carefully. In developing your essay, address
ONLY Canto 1 of Dante’s “Inferno.” Develop a clear thesis (argument) about the way you interpret the
theme and the use of symbol and/or allegory in that Canto and use that argument to shape your essay as
a whole. For instance, Is Dante saying something more profound or spiritual on a symbolic level than he
appears to be saying on a literal level? What symbols does he use to create that deeper meaning? Be
specific and develop your discussion by providing examples and quoting selectively and explaining how that
evidence supports your ideas. Read the rest of this document carefully for full instructions.
NB: If you are using the online versions because you do not yet have the book, please see the relevant links
in Week 5. Remember, you are only discussing Canto 1 if you choose this topic.
General Requirements for Either Essay:
Length: The final version of your essay must be 3 – 4 pages long. (This page length does not include the
Works Cited, which is another page. Do not include a cover sheet.)
MLA Style: Your paper must be double-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman, and follow MLA style in all
particulars. Use the Purdue OWL website to ensure that you are following MLA style correctly:
Primary Sources: Your essay should be based on your own close reading of the primary texts. Include the
primary text in your Works Cited.
Secondary Sources: The focus of this paper is on your close reading and interpretation of the selected text.
You may NOT use secondary sources for this essay other than those I have provided in Week 5 or from The
Norton Anthology. Even those should be used sparingly. NB: Under NO circumstances may you use websites
such as SparkNotes, Shmoop, Cliffnotes, Lilcharts, Gradesaver, Book Rags, Enotes, Wikipedia, or the like as
sources for your essays.
