The Friendship between Dante and Forese Donati

Dante's reunion with his old friend Forese Donati on the terrace of gluttony, reflecting on their shared past and Florence's decay.

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Meeting Forese in Purgatory

The Emaciated Friend The Recognition Dante sees a shade with hollow eyes and emaciated face. The voice reveals it is Forese Donati, Dante's close friend. Dante is shocked by his appearance. The Explanation Forese explains that the tree and water of the terrace cause their hunger and thirst, purging the sin of gluttony.

Forese's Rapid Purgation

The Power of Prayers Nella's Devotion Forese tells Dante that his wife Nella's tears and prayers have shortened his time in Purgatory. She is a model of virtue, unlike the immodest women of Florence. The Prophecy Forese prophesies that soon the shameless women of Florence will be forbidden to go about bare-breasted. He praises Nella's piety.

Dante's Account of His Journey

The Story The Guide Dante tells Forese that Virgil has led him through Hell and Purgatory, and that he is still alive. He points to Virgil and Statius. The Purpose Dante explains that he is on his way to Beatrice. Forese is amazed and grateful for the encounter.

Forese's Prophecy of Florence's Ruin

The Warning The Guilty Man Forese predicts that the man most guilty of Florence's corruption (Corso Donati, his brother) will be dragged by a beast's tail to Hell. This will happen soon. The Parting Forese must rejoin the other gluttons. He leaves Dante with a sense of urgency, as time in Purgatory is precious.

The Memory of Their Friendship

The Shared Past The Tenzone Dante and Forese had exchanged insulting poems (tenzone) in their youth. Their friendship was marked by frankness and affection. The Contrast Now Forese is purging his sins, while Dante is on a holy journey. Their reunion is bittersweet, but they remain close.

On the sixth terrace of Purgatory, among the gluttonous

During the conversation on the sixth terrace

After Forese's explanation, on the sixth terrace

Before parting, on the sixth terrace

Throughout the encounter, on the sixth terrace