Dantes? Cacus Essay, Research Paper
Character review: Of Cacus in Dantes? Divine Comedy
Dantes? Cacus
While on his famed excursion into the depths of Hell, Dante and his guide Virgil, have an encounter with the vile half-human Cacus. Whom is this one they call Cacus and what abominable thing did he have to do, to earn himself a place as one of the tormentors in the Inferno? Little is know about Cacus even in 1300s? because Dante had to have Virgil retell the legend of Cacus so people would understand how Cacus fit into this place of Hell.(Canto XXV line 25) Virgil himself had had this same legend retold in his work The Aeneid. In ?The Aeneid? the legend is told by King Evander (book VIII line 255)to compare Cacus with the evil Turnus of his story.
The word Cacus was taken from the Greek word kakos which means evil.(Anderson 166) These similar sounding words were meant, to be a play on words, for the Greeks so when they heard his name, they automatically associated him with evil. In Latin his name is Furor impius, the monster of disorder.(71) In our language his name means nothing to us but, to the Greeks and Romans, his name left little doubt about his nature.
The image that Dante gives Cacus, describes him as a centaur, which is a race of monsters having the head, arms, and trunk of a man and the body and legs of a horse. Behind his head was ?a snorting dragon?with its wings outspread.?(canto XXV line 23) On the back of Dantes? Cacus were also many serpents that went ?from the haunch to the first sign of human form?.(line 21) There is absolutely nothing appealing about this creature giving him the appearance of ?evil incarnate?.(Anderson 71) Not only was the outward appearance of Cacus repulsive, so was his soul.
There are several different versions of the story of Cacus being that he is one of the lesser figures in Greek and Roman mythology. Most of the main points remain the same and the others were up to the storyteller.(Rose 325) Cacus was the son of Vulcan the god of fire and metalworking. (Being the son of the fire god Cacus was a fire breathing monster.) He lived in a cave, on the Palatine hill at the foot of Mount Aventine near the river Tiber.(Grant) The age of this story is shown here because the location described is where the city of Rome now sits, so this legend takes place at the future site of Rome.(Rose 325)(Anderson 71)(Grant) This is not the story nor the reason of how the city was started, it is just a coincidence. No matter how the story is told one thing is clear Cacus is a ?very old Roman deity?.(Rose 325) Cacus lived on human flesh, and his cave was littered with the skulls and bones of his victims. Virgil illustrates the monster?s cave best in his writings. ?The ground was always warm with recent slaughter; and fastened to the proud doorposts, the faces of men hung pale with putrefaction.?(bookVIII line259) As evil as he was, it was not the murder of humans that did him in, it was the stealing of cattle. This is where Hercules enters the story. Hercules was traveling back from fighting Geryon with a herd of cattle (which he had stolen from Geryon: heroic double-standard) and stopped to rest near the cave. While Hercules slept Cacus dragged four bulls and four heifers by the tail into his cave. When Hercules awoke and couldn?t find them he started to leave. As he was leaving one of the missing heifers answered one of his own cattle?s lowing, giving away the position of Cacus. Cacus quickly closed the mouth of the cave with a huge boulder. Hercules couldn?t find a way into the cave and searches for an entrance. In some of the earliest accounts Cacus has a sister named Caca who falls in love with Hercules and betrays Cacus? lair to Hercules.(Grant) But in Virgils? version he becomes so enraged he pushes the top of the mountain off revealing the interior of the cave. The hero then starts to hurl arrows and rocks down upon Cacus who responds with smoke and fire temporally blinding Hercules who becomes furious and jumps down upon Cacus.(bookVIII line334) In Dantes? version Hercules gives Cacus a hundred blows with a club.(CantoXXV line33) In The Aeneid Hercules strangles him, either way Cacus dies.
In the afterlife Cacus is sent to the Seventh ditch of Malebolge named ?The Thieves?.(CantoXXV) He is sent here because of his theft and because of his overwhelming desires for evil. ??then the mind of Cacus was driven wild with frenzy; lest he fail to dare or try all ways of crime or fraud,??(Virgil bookVIII line270) Cacus is so monumentally evil he is not sent here to be punished but to be the punisher, sentenced to chase the damned ?round perdition?s flames? for eternity.(Sorry Melville had to throw that in there, Cpt. Ahab wouldn?t mind.) When seen by Virgil and Dante he was in the process of doing his job, chasing Vanni Fucci, a notorious thief, who had just blasphemed.(cantoXXV line18)
The presentation of Cacus into the Inferno by Dante represents the mixed beliefs of the times bringing together both the Greco-Roman and Judeo-Christian traditions of the time. By incorporating the ?Pagan Gods? by having them serve in assisting roles in a Christian hell. The reason he did this could be it made it a more interesting story and therefore sell more books or he actually had some belief in the Roman gods. Since he was a citizen of what is now Italy he was brought up to believe in both. At least he put them in hell and not necessary for salvation which was his predominating theme. That?s why Virgil was there in hell and not heaven because he didn?t have belief in the Christian faith. Dante did take the liberty to make Cacus a more colorful creature by adding the Dragon and the serpents, but he strayed just a little to far when, he changed Virgils? version of the legend. Being such an admirer of Virgil I?m surprised that he took one of the least accepted versions of the tale; and had Virgil retell it, knowing that was not what Virgil adhered to.(cantoXXV line25)
?The gates of Hell are open night and day;
Smooth the descent, and easy is the way:
But, to return, and view the cheerful skies;
In this, the task and mighty labour lies.?
Virgil
Works Cited
Alighieri, D. The Divine Comedy, Translated By John Ciardi
New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 1977.
Anderson W. S. The Art of The Aeneid
Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice-Hall, 1969.
Grant M. and Hazel J. Gods and Mortals in Classical Mythology
Spingfield, Mass.: G.& C. Merriam Company, 1992
Rose, H. J. Handbook of Greek Mythology
Boston: E. P. Dutton, 1929.
Virgil. The Aeneid of Virgil, A Translation by Allen Mandelbaum
London: University of California Press, 1981.
Другие работы по теме:
Romeo An Juliet Essay Research Paper hi
Romeo An Juliet Essay, Research Paper hi i need an essay about a character in romeo and juliet that demonsrtated maturity. in a well developed multi pagraph essay and say why you think the character’s maturity was greater than the other characters in the play.
Job Letter Essay Research Paper To Whom
Job Letter Essay, Research Paper To Whom It May Concern: I am enclosing a copy of my resume for your files and review. I am an individual who responds to challenges and works both independently or as a part of a team,
Monte Cristo Essay Research Paper In The
Monte Cristo Essay, Research Paper In The Count of Monte Cristo, Alexander Dumas places Edmond Dantes in the position to act as God around those whom he is associated with. It is common knowledge, that God is a kind, loving, all knowing, and wrathful. Dantes is shown to have all of these characteristics. Dantes first shows his kindness as the Abbe Busoni and Lord Wilmore as he rewards those who were once kind to him.
The Count Of Monte Cristo Revenge Essay
, Research Paper The Count of Monte Cristo: Revenge The Story of Edmond Dant?s, the Sailor, who Becomes the Rich & Powerful Count of Monte Cristo and Takes Revenge on all his Enemies.
The Count Of Monte Cristo 2 Essay
, Research Paper The Count of Monte Cristo The Count of Monte Cristo, written by Alexandre Dumas, tells the story of a man, Edmond Dantes, a sailor who goes through being betrayed by his enemies and thrown in to a dark prison cell to planning revenge on his enemies. His behavior and personality changes after spending 14 years in jail for a crime that he didn t commit.
Othello Essay Research Paper Iago was a
Othello Essay, Research Paper Iago was a very influencel character in the play, also very cunning. he worked on the emotiotion of just about every characther. some were cassio, othello, and rodrigo.
Beloved A Review Essay Research Paper Beloved
Beloved (A Review) Essay, Research Paper Beloved I decided to delve into the issue of slavery in this novel. SETHE, the mother of Beloved, and was owned by the character Schoolteacher . SETHE had three children by another slave. Schoolteachers sons would take her milk so she couldn t feed her children. She grew tired of this mistreatment so she decided to run away.
Book Review Essay Research Paper Animal Farmby
Book Review Essay, Research Paper Animal Farm by: George Orwell Book Review by George Lacy Mrs. Spain Fall 96 Character Analysis of Napoleon “Napoleon was a large rather fierce looking Berkshire boar,” that was spoiled and always got his way. He was the only pig of the kind on the farm. Napoleon was a great rival to Snowball.
Count Of Monte Cristo- Character Review On
Fernand Essay, Research Paper THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO By Alexandre Dumas Fernand Mondego was a simple fisherman who led a dull, monotonous life and was not very important in the social status. If he had just been content in all of his circumstances, his life might have been better. However, from the very beginning of the book, Fernand’s goal in life was to obtain things he could not obtain.
The Count Of Monte Cristo By Alexandre
Dumas Essay, Research Paper The Count Of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas is a story which begins in 19th centuryFrance. The Main character, Edmond Dantes begins the story as a happy man. He haseverything going for him. ?you?re a lucky man, Edmond, and you have a very prettymistress, sir? ?she?s not my mistress, sir ? ? she?s my fiancee.? This changes quickly whenDantes is imprisoned.
Dante Essay Research Paper Edmund Dantes a
Dante Essay, Research Paper Edmund Dantes, a strapping young sailor, was the prime years of his life during the nineteenth century. He was a good person, was well mannered and frankly had a lot of things going for him. He was affianced to the lovely Mercedes, he captained a good ship, the Pharon, and had whom he thought been good friends.
Wuthering Hieghts Essay Research Paper In the
Wuthering Hieghts Essay, Research Paper In the novel Wuthering Heights, Heathcliff represents a character of much value. Heathcliff, to me, is the main character of this story. He represents
Book Review Dracula Essay Research Paper By
Book Review- Dracula Essay, Research Paper By NVOT Student, 6/00 Bram Stoker s classic Dracula, first published in 1897, is a mystifying horror tale concerning the war of good versus evil, ages old, yet forever new. It is the gothic narrative of the undead creatures of the night, and the human lives they touch, seeking to satiate the cursed craving for their only sustenance human blood.
Dantes Inferno Essay Research Paper Dante the
Dantes Inferno Essay, Research Paper Dante the Pilgrim was once a spiritual and holy man, but as of recently he had felt less than holy. Yet, he still wants to remain spiritual. To do this, Dante must recognize the true nature of his sin(s), renounce them, and pay penance for them by travelling though the nine levels of hell.
Dantes Inferno Essay Research Paper Canto XThe
Dantes Inferno Essay, Research Paper Canto X: The Perils of Pride In The Inferno, Dante describes his journey through hell. Throughout his pilgrimage, Dante learns from the sinners that he meets along the way. One influential group of sinners is those in Canto X. In this Canto, Dante is warned that those filled with pride suffer eternally.
The Human Brain Essay Research Paper An
The Human Brain Essay, Research Paper An English project by Chad Johnson and Emily Hicks This page has been accessed 799967 times since March 25, 1996. Announcing 123novels!
Falstaff Essay Research Paper Falstaff Lion
Falstaff Essay, Research Paper Falstaff: Lion or Loon In Maurice Morgan?s ?The Dramatic Character of Falstaff?, he gives us a critical interpretation of the Shakespearian character, Sir John Falstaff, looking at him from every point of view but a Layman?s one. He summarizes Falstaff incompletely, including quotes from Henry IV, Part Two and not as much from Henry IV, Part One, which gives more information about ?Old John?s? character (in the first scene with Falstaff?s character) from the beginning, but rather stays focused on what leads to his tragic fate.
Because Essay Research Paper Becuase this is
Because Essay, Research Paper Becuase this is not my job, I decided early on to limit my reviews to one book per author. You can imagine, then, how hard it was to decide WHICH book of Charles Dickens to review. I mean, to choose between A Tale of Two Cities, Oliver Twist, and Great Expectations was downright cruel.
Judicial Review Essay Research Paper Judicial ReviewThe
Judicial Review Essay, Research Paper Judicial Review The Supreme Court is the only court designated in the constitution. Within it is the Chief Justice of the United States, and eight associates. Being the highest court it is the last resort for all federal court questions. The Supreme Court has the power to determine whether something is constitutional or not, which makes them the final authority.
Review Of Ceremony Essay Research Paper Review
Review Of Ceremony Essay, Research Paper Review of Ceremony Ceremony, written by Leslie Marmon Silko, traces the alienation and destruction of a young Native American who must first come to terms with his past before he can overcome his post-traumatic stress. Throughout this novel, there are many symbols and examples of how not only the main character, but his culture as a whole was ignored, rejected, and destroyed.
American Ethics Essay Research Paper American Beauty
American Ethics Essay, Research Paper American Beauty is a very intricate film portraying the sarcasm intertwined within American values, or beauties. Every scene within American Beauty influences each character in the movie as well as other scenes. The structure of this flick is as if it were not possible to remove one scene from the work, otherwise the entire movie would collapse like a domino effect.
Vision Essay Research Paper Literary analysis Vision
Vision Essay, Research Paper Literary analysis: Vision Out of the Corner of One Eye. The main character of “Vision out of the Corner of One Eye “, a short story by Luisa Valezuela, goes through a complete one hundred-eighty degree change over the course of the story.
The Jilting Of Granny Weatherall By Katherine
Porter Essay, Research Paper In the story, “The Jilting of Granny Weatherall”, written by Katherine Porter, Granny Weatherall is a character of depth. Her name is synomonous with her character. Three main qualities of her character are her strength, her endurance, and her vulnerability.
Dorian Grey Review Essay Research Paper In
Dorian Grey Review Essay, Research Paper In the novel The Picture of Dorian Grey homosexuality is an important aspect of the novel, and the book deserves credit as a pioneering depection of homosexual relationships in serious English fiction. The depection
Review Of Reviews Essay Research Paper I
Review Of Reviews Essay, Research Paper I chose to review John Updike?s Review ?It Was Sad? from the October 14th issue of ?The New Yorker?. In the review, Updike examines
Ordinary People Essay Research Paper Book Review
Ordinary People Essay, Research Paper Book Review of Ordinary People Ordinary People, by Judith Guest, is a novel about the difficulties and problems that occur in a seemingly normal family after the death of one of it?s members. The main character, Conrad, witnesses his brother, Buck, drown. After this tragic happening, Conrad attempts suicide by slashing his wrists.
Antigone Character Sketch Essay Research Paper Antigones
Antigone Character Sketch Essay, Research Paper Antigone?s Character Sketch World Literature Honors Antigone, the character for which the play was named, is a very complex character. She seems to change directions all throughout the play and there is never one point in which you know exactly what she will do because she is just that unpredictable.
Play Review On West Side Story Essay
, Research Paper Drama Play Review on West Side Story The musical Play that I did my review on was West Side Story by Jerome Robbins. I saw this play at the Woodland High School with my family. We went to see it because my older brother, Nick was in it.
Letter Of Application Essay Research Paper Please
Letter Of Application Essay, Research Paper Please accept this letter in application for the Admission Counselor position currently available within your school. My resume is enclosed for your review and I believe you will find that my qualifications meet your expectations.
Book Review Essay Research Paper Book ReviewFor
Book Review Essay, Research Paper Book Review For Whom The Bell Tolls Ernest Hemingway Pages Read: 74 (really busy) For Whom The Bell Tolls begins with a pyrotechnic for the Russian army reviewing the land where he must blow a bridge to stop enemy movement. He is a little overwhelmed by the task he is assigned to complete yet he is mentally sound in his manner and seems to know exactly how to handle himself in the situation.
Book Review Essay Research Paper Book Review
Book Review Essay, Research Paper Book Review Eric T. LibeerPark Hill South High School Thursday, May 27, 1999 Book Review By Eric Libeer Homeland, John Jakes’s formidable noel about the final explosive events of the nineteenth century, is the first in a series that will focus attention on a new “Jakes” family, the Crowns.
Different Views Essay Research Paper Different Views
Different Views Essay, Research Paper Different Views in Everyday Use In the story of ?Everyday Use? by Alice Walker the narrator told the story in a wonderful way. She was simple and I feel she gave a fair and just description of each character in the story. Her words put picture perfect description of the character in the reader?s head.
The Christmas Carol Essay Research Paper A
The Christmas Carol Essay, Research Paper A Christmas Carol The main character is Scrooge. He is very mean to other people. He wouldn t give a dime to anyone. Scrogge is very
The Judges Wife Essay Research Paper Throughout
The Judges Wife Essay, Research Paper Throughout the story ?The Judge?s Wife?, Isabel Allende presents Dona Casilda presented as a powerless woman although later she emerges as the most powerful character in the story.