When authors refer to other great works, people, and events, it’s usually not accidental. Put on your super-sleuth hat and figure out why.
Literature and Philosophy References
Plato (Purg. IV, 1-12)
Virgil, The Aeneid (Purg. XXI, 97)
Dante Alighieri, La Vita Nuova (Purg. XXIV, 51)
Beatrice Portinari (Purg. XXX, 73) - throughout
Biblical References
Virgin Mary (Purg. X, 50) – throughout
Leah (Purg. XXVII, 100)
Rachel (Purg. XXVII, 104)
Historical Figures
Virgil (Purg. I, 61) – throughout
Cato of Utica (Purg. I, 73-84)
Marcia (Purg. I, 79-90)
Casella (Purg. II, 91)
Manfred (Purg. III, 107-132)
Buonconte da Montefeltro (Purg. V, 88)
Sordello (Purg. VI, 74)
Justinian (Purg. VI, 88)
Albert I of Austria (Purg. VI, 97)
Oderisi of Gubbio (Purg. XI, 79-80)
Marco Lombardo (Purg. XVI, 46)
Pope Adrian V (Purg. XIX, 99)
Hugh Capet (Purg. XX, 49)
Statius (Purg. XXI, 91)
Forese Donati (Purg. XXIII, 48)
Bonagiunta da Lucca (Purg. XXIV, 20-21)
Guittone del Viva (Purg. XXIV, 56)
Guido Guinizzelli (Purg. XXVI, 92)