In Relation to Wilstach

• In the “argument”, Virgil is portrayed as a less friendly character, serving as a warning for Dante’s potential future
• the physical appearance of the forest is not described in detail, but its emotional influence is given more discussion
• Speaks about “life” as though it is another person, rather than a natural process
• Notes “absence of fear” rather than a presence of calm or other positive feeling, implying greater emotional neutrality
• The “beast” mentioned is a panther, implication of Dante being its prey. All other translations refer to the beast as a “leopard”. However, Boyd still describes the panther as having a speckled coat
• Wolf is referred to simply as a “wolf” rather than a “she-wolf”
• Dante refers to himself very humbly, going so far as to call himself a “wretch forlorn”
• Virgil is initially referred to by his last name—Maro
• Just before embarking on his journey, Dante’s comments on Saint Peter and the afterlife focus on Paradise, where sinners wait to eventually be called to find their own place

In Relation to Langdon

• The “horror” of the woods is given more attention while the confusion Dante experiences is not as evidently present
• Mountain is referred to as a “hill”, de-emphasizing its height. While it is stated to meet “the rising sun” the presence of the planets is not mentioned
• The sight of the hill appears to do away with Dante’s fears entirely—or at least very significantly
• The trek up the hill appears to exhaust Dante
• The panther appears to be stalking Dante, intentionally intimidating him
• Description of the wolf is not very detailed and almost glossed over
• While Dante shows clear appreciation for Virgil it is not as detailed or intense as portrayed in Langdon’s version
• Virgil speaks of the wolf’s hunger, but does not go into detail about her specific actions as he does in Langdon’s translation
• Virgil states how he was sent by “Heaven” to serve as Dante’s guide; he does not appear to have been sent by anyone in Langdon’s translation
• Several stanzas are spent solely discussing the beauty of Paradise, with Virgil showing great appreciation for the land despite not being allowed to enter himself

In Relation to Kline

• “The vital current froze, and urg’d my flight… the perils of the flood” water imagery begins subtle, but becomes more apparent as the canto goes on
• Virgil is the one who beckons towards Dante, rather than Dante calling out to him
• Virgil refers to his birth as “lowly”, potentially in reference to Lombard or his status as being born human
• Only Camilla and Turnus are mentioned
• Virgil speaks of the wolf returning to a cavern of envy
• Virgil does not mention being sent by heaven and his decision to guide Dante through the afterlife appears very casual
• Use of “purging flame” directly connects Virgil’s explanation of the second part of the journey to purgatory
• Reference to Beatrice as a “spirit”