Commentary Inf XVI 8-9

During the protagonist's initial encounter with a fellow-citizen of Florence, it is he who is the first to be recognized (by Ciacco -- [Inf VI 41-42]), identified by the sinner from his memory of Dante's appearance in the world above. The next Florentine to take him for a fellow citizen is Farinata ([Inf X 22-26]), who senses his origin from his Tuscan accent. A few tercets later, Cavalcante overhears Dante ([Inf X 43-44]) name his ancestors (and thus, for the ears of a close friend's father, reveal his own identity). Next Brunetto Latini ([Inf XV 23-24]) simply recognizes his pupil. Now, in this fifth Florentine 'recognition scene,' these three sodomites recognize Dante by his clothing ([Inf XVI 8-9]). Thus does the poet ring the changes on the various revelations of his identity in these Infernal encounters with his townsmen.