Dante, Inferno
The Friar Reveals the Broken Bridge
Virgil asks whether the poets can leave the ditch without forcing the dark angels to assist. The friar explains that a crossing is shattered here, but that the sloping ruin itself provides a way to climb. The answer makes Virgil recognise that the hooked guardian warned them falsely. The friar recalls the devil’s reputation for lying, and the guide moves onward with anger visible in his manner.
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In the sources
The encounter
LiteraryVirgil asks whether the poets can leave the ditch without forcing the dark angels to assist. The friar explains that a crossing is shattered here, but that the sloping ruin itself provides a way to climb.
Further detail
LiteraryThe answer makes Virgil recognise that the hooked guardian warned them falsely. The friar recalls the devil’s reputation for lying, and the guide moves onward with anger visible in his manner.
Context & interpretation
This entry follows the supplied Thompson & Thomas edition of H. F. Cary’s translation. It describes Dante’s literary vision, distinguishing its assignments and reported claims from historical biography, other classical traditions and independently established accounts of an afterlife.
Original passages
Source 1
Dante's Inferno
By the ruin ye may mount : For on the side it slants, and most the height Rises below." With head bent down awhile My leaderOpen this page in the book
Passage & edition details
Location recorded at citation review: Dante’s Inferno, Cary translation; active reader leaf 161
Passage read in the exact edition’s extracted canto text; whitespace-normalised anchor and original-leaf mapping checked. Associated plates separately inspected.
- Edition
- IMJ-0082-E001
- Reader page
- IMJ-0082-E001-P0161
- Original scan leaf
- 168
- Recorded leaf number
- 168
- Current Reader position
- 161
- Reader verification
- Source-preserving update confirmed
Source 2
Dante's Inferno
He is a liar, And the father of lies ! ' " When he had spoke. My leader with large strides proceeded on, Somewhat disturb'd withOpen this page in the book
Passage & edition details
Location recorded at citation review: Dante’s Inferno, Cary translation; active reader leaf 161
Passage read in the exact edition’s extracted canto text; whitespace-normalised anchor and original-leaf mapping checked. Associated plates separately inspected.
- Edition
- IMJ-0082-E001
- Reader page
- IMJ-0082-E001-P0161
- Original scan leaf
- 168
- Recorded leaf number
- 168
- Current Reader position
- 161
- Reader verification
- Source-preserving update confirmed
Illustrations
Continue exploring
Catalano and Loderingo
Two Bolognese friars who recall their joint appointment as arbiters in Florence.
Shared illustrationGolden Outside, Lead Within
The hypocrites’ bright garments conceal a burden that slows every step.
Same subject and traditionAgnello’s Merged Form
A man and serpent lose their distinct outlines in the thieves’ ditch.
Same subject and traditionAlichino and Calcabrina’s Quarrel
The failed pursuit that sends two guardians into their own sticky pool.