The Theme of Exile and Return

Dante's personal experience of exile and his hope for return, reflected in prophecies and laments throughout the poem.

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Ciacco's Prophecy of Florence

The Political Prediction The Civil Strife Ciacco prophesies that Florence will be torn by conflict between the Whites and Blacks. The Whites will be driven out, but will return within three years. The Just Men He says there are only two just men in Florence, and that envy, pride, and avarice have corrupted the city. This is the first hint of Dante's own exile.

Farinata's Prophecy

The Future Exile The Fifty Months Farinata tells Dante that he will learn 'how heavy is that art' of returning from exile within fifty months. This is a direct prophecy of Dante's banishment. The Knowledge of the Damned Farinata explains that the damned can see future events but not the present. This adds to the mystery of prophecy.

Brunetto Latini's Warning

The Florentine Enemies The Blind People Brunetto warns Dante that the Florentines, descended from Fiesole, will become his enemies because of his good deeds. He advises Dante to cleanse himself of their customs. The Sweet Fig He says that among crabbed sorbs, it ill befits the sweet fig to bear fruit. Dante must stand apart from the corrupt populace.

Cacciaguida's Detailed Prophecy

The Bitter Bread The Exile Cacciaguida prophesies that Dante will be forced to leave Florence, like Hippolytus. He will taste the salt of another's bread and climb another's stairs. The Bad Company His companions in exile will turn against him, but he will be better off alone. His first refuge will be with Can Grande della Scala.

Dante's Acceptance of Exile

The Resolve The Armed Mind Dante accepts his fate, saying he is foursquare against the blows of chance. He will write his poem boldly, even if it offends. The Poetic Mission Cacciaguida encourages him to make his vision manifest. The poem will be a witness to truth, and exile will not silence him.

In the third circle of Hell, among the gluttonous

In the sixth circle of Hell, among the heretics

In the seventh circle of Hell, among the sodomites

In the Heaven of Mars, among the martyrs

After Cacciaguida's prophecy, in Mars