1. Sierra Ariel McGuire November 19, 2007
Canto 17
Sierra Ariel McGuire
November 19, 2007

2. Summary of Canto 17
Virgil and Dante approach the beast Geryon who is lying across the shore protecting his domain. Virgil talks to the beast, asking him to be their guide to the 8th circle. While Virgil is talking Dante is trying to talk to the sinning souls. The souls don’t talk to him so he leaves. These souls are those who lent money for interest known as userers . Geryon agrees to bring them to their destination; the two jump on his back and they are on their way.

3. New Characters Geryon A beastly monster
He has the face of a man, the body of a serpent, and two hairy paws with a pointed scorpion stinger tail.

4. Dante and the sinners Dante is in the 7th circle, 3rd ring, 3rd zone
The sinners in this canto are those who showed violence against nature and art. They lent money for interest and are known as usurers.
These sinners are punished by having purses around their necks which have the sinners’ family emblems on them. Fleas and gnats are biting them. They are seated beneath the rain at their own fire.

5. The scenery
They are on the shore of a river. There is sand and fire, also jagged rocks everywhere. Everything is burning. They are heading to the Abyss of Malebolge.

6. Geryon watching Dante and Virgil coming into his territory

7. Geryon carrying them to Lower Hell into the Abyss of Malebolge

8. Virgil (he is Dante’s helper to his destination)