In Relation to Boyd

• The “argument” puts an emphasis on the animals and “beasts”, with Virgil portrayed as a kind and helpful figure
• Emphasis on “I” statements
• Use of simile and metaphor of the ocean to describe Dante’s emotional state
• Although this this translation is not as old as Boyd’s, there is still a significant amount of writing style used, particularly use of apostrophe in place of the letter “v”, seen in “e’en” and use of “oft”
• The animal in the forest mentioned in this translation is a leopard, with specific mention of its spots
• Describes getting lost and turned around as he attempts to escape the leopard
• Emphasis on the sun and morning dew, describing the happenings as morning comes to the forest
• Describes she-wolf, whose appearance and presence make Dante lose hope of being successful in his escape/ascent
• More detail is given in regards to Virgil’s birth/origin
• Mentions of “false, treacherous Gods” making Rome their home
• Dante specifically asks Virgil for assistance in escaping the beasts pursuing him
• Virgil specifies that he will not be able to accompany Dante along his full journey due to his rebellion in the past
• Dante’s final comments before following Virgil are less optimistic and rather appear to be out of curiosity to explore all aspects of the afterlife

In Relation to Langdon

• Argument refers to the forest as “frowning”, not outright hostile, but certainly ominous
• Emphasis on large size of forest
• Woods referred to as “little less than death”, connecting them to the entrance of the afterlife
• Uses the figure of a “man with pantings thick and short” emerging from the sea to describe his state
• The rocky pass has “never yet admitted mortal through”
• The sun’s gleams are remarked upon, but the presence of other planets is not acknowledged
• Specification of “greyhound” rather than just “hound”
• Mountain described to have a “rosy gleam” –potentially in reference to the rose of Paradiso
• Specifies a “liking for gold” rather than general winnings
• The she-wolf is said to be “married” as opposed to “breeding”