Commentary Inf XX 19-24

The first tercet of this fourth address to the reader in this cantica (see note to [Inf VIII 94-96]) is generally understood as indicating that, given the sad sight he must behold, Dante is excusing himself from blame for weeping. Benvenuto da Imola, however, has a differing view (and says that 'this subtle fiction is poorly understood by many others'). According to him (DDP Benvenuto.Inf.XX.19-24), Dante's tears reveal his guilty feelings about his own involvement in astrological prediction and that 'as a result he presents himself as weeping out of compassion for others, and for himself because of his own errors' (Ideo bene fingit se nunc ita plorare compatiens aliis et sibi de errore suo). It is possible to read the passage in an even harsher light. If the reader is to 'gather fruit' from reading this passage, is it not likely that its point is that Dante was wrong to weep for these creatures? What he feels is sadness at the human figure rendered so contorted, forgetting the reason for the (entirely just) punishment. And the language of v. 21 allows a different understanding (and translation) than it generally receives: how Dante might well have refrained from weeping, but failed to behave as would have been only appropriate.

For discussion of two other passages in the poem ([Inf V 70-72]; [Inf XIII 82-84]) in which Dante feels pity for the sinners that is evidently not sanctioned, see Holl.1980.1, p. 168n.