Evaluation of Dante’s Moral Universe and Your Own:

To the untrained eye the Inferno was created with little reason or order. Why else would Dante place thieves below murderers? However, after delving into Dante’s work it becomes clear that there was a plan. Dante’s ability to plan is only surpassed by his ability to carry it out. How else does one explain the use of the number 3 (or its multiples) everywhere? How else does one explain the creation of punishments full of such great symbolism? After experiencing the Inferno, readers must accept that it was constructed with careful thought and consideration. While some of his decisions regarding the placement of wrongdoers does not make sense to today’s readers, things become clearer when considering Dante’s personal history, his religion and the time in which he lived.

Given that Dante’s Inferno was written in the 1300’s by an exiled Catholic Florentine it may not reflect your modern standards or beliefs. Your charge is to map out your own Moral Universe by adapting Dante’s sinister spiral. Tear Dante’s construction down and build it up again.

I will be asking you to write at least 3 pages discussing your general reasoning and comparing your results to Dante’s, but first create a graphic. You will have time to edit and revise the graphic before turning it in with your final written draft.

This graphic is

to serve only as a

planning tool and

assist in the creation

of a final artistic draft.

The final draft may be

done by hand and / or

created using the computer.

Consider a definition for

wrongdoing. Does something

Make sure to: tie all of your “crimes” together?

___The body of your paper discusses the

process of creating your own Inferno / Moral

Universe based upon your beliefs of right and

wrong.

You may delete Dante’s categories as you deem

necessary and appropriate and add your own.

___Discussing the general reasoning of your plan

___Comparing your results to Dante’s

___Also include a graphic that illustrates your design.

Illustrations portraying Dante’s construction are

available online.

Personal Inferno / Moral Universe Name______

EXCEEDS / MEETS / PARTIALLY MEETS / DOES NOT MEET
Organization / Piece contains an exceptional introduction, a supporting body, and a conclusion in the correct sequence and appropriate length.
Paragraphs contain effective topic and closing sentences. / Piece contains a satisfactory introduction, a supporting body, and a conclusion in the correct sequence and appropriate length.
Paragraphs contain topic and closing sentences. / Piece may contain a weak or incomplete introduction, supporting body, or conclusion or lacks the correct sequence or appropriate length.
Some paragraphs may lack topic and closing sentences. / Piece lacks a logical order; no clear or developed beginning, middle, and/or end.
Paragraphs lack topic and closing sentences.
Content / Thesis and/or main ideas are exceptionally clear and points are well-supported with depth and details, appropriate variety, accuracy, and the ethical use of information. / Thesis and/or main ideas are clear and points are well-supported with depth and details, appropriate variety, accuracy, and the ethical use of information. / Thesis and/or main ideas lack clarity and/or only some points are supported with depth, details, variety, accuracy. Has shown the ethical use of information. / Thesis and main ideas may be weak or lacking and points are few and/or poorly supported. Has shown the ethical use of information.
Purpose / Writer demonstrates an exceptional understanding of purpose and audience and chooses writing strategies, vocabulary and tone accordingly to direct message.
Purpose is very clear and writer convincingly explains, informs, argues, or persuades. / Writer demonstrates a satisfactory understanding of purpose and audience and chooses writing strategies, vocabulary and tone accordingly to direct message.
Purpose is clear and writer satisfactorily explains, informs, argues, or persuades. / Writer demonstrates an inadequate understanding of purpose and audience and chooses writing strategies, vocabulary and tone accordingly to direct message.
Purpose is not always clear; writer inadequately explains, informs, argues, or persuades. / Writer demonstrates a lack of understanding of purpose and audience and fails to choose appropriate writing strategies, vocabulary and tone for this assignment.
Purpose is not appropriately addressed, key elements are missing.
Mechanics / Virtually error free in spelling, punctuation, grammar, and usage; appropriate for grade level. / Few errors in spelling, punctuation, grammar, and usage may exist but they do not affect meaning or the flow of ideas; appropriate for grade level. / Many errors in spelling, punctuation, grammar, and usage that do affect meaning or flow of ideas. / Frequent errors in spelling, punctuation, grammar, and usage make the piece difficult to read and/or understand.
20 / 18 / 14 / 12
Diagram / Diagram is exceptionally appealing or compelling. / Diagram is appealing or compelling. / Diagram shows limited appeal or effectiveness. / Diagram lacks appeal or effectives.
20 / 18 / 14 / 12

Sub Total: ______

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