Commentary Par XVI 42

Elements in this canto, including the reference to the annual palio, the race around the inner routes traversing the city, remind some readers of Brunetto Latini ([Inf XV 121-124]).  As the civic/political figure closest to the center of Inferno, he seems to have a certain similar placement and function both to Marco Lombardo (Purg. XVI) and to Cacciaguida (Par. XV-XVII).  To most, Brunetto seems a failed version of Dante's 'father,' at least when he is compared to his actual great-great-grandfather.  However, for his convergence with (rather than opposition to) Cacciaguida, see Raffa (Raff.2000.1), pp. 187-94; in his view Brunetto has the role of figura to Cacciaguida's antitype.