Le sinopie di Stazio ("Purg.", XXII)

This essay interprets the comedy of errors that takes place between cantos 22 and 23 of Dante’s Purgatory in light of the judgement on prodigality expressed by the poets prior to Dante, as well as the interpretation of classical literature that prodigality implies. In this perspective, a continuity between Statius and Virgil, on the one hand, and Dante, on the other, is established, inasmuch as classical literature provides the Christian poet with useful tools to express revelation. However, at the same time, in these cantos, Dante expresses a very clear detachment from classical literary models, inasmuch as these are based on obscurity and the non-perspicuous use of allegory, whereas the Gospels, and the Comedy itself, are founded on the full evidence of truth and involve the duty of prophecy and witness.