Dante's Inferno Cantos X And Xi

The correct answer is "The news that his son was no longer living." This answer is supported by the context provided in the question. The question mentions a shadow rising from the sepulchres, indicating a supernatural or spiritual entity. The fact that the news of the shadow's son no longer being alive shattered its hope suggests a deep emotional connection between the shadow and its son. This explanation aligns with the theme of loss and despair, which is commonly associated with the shattering of hope.

The dead know nothing about the present because they are no longer alive and therefore cannot experience or perceive the current moment. They are disconnected from the flow of time and are unable to have any awareness or understanding of what is happening in the present.

Epicurus was a philosopher who believed that the soul died with the body. He believed that there was no afterlife or eternal punishment, and that the soul simply ceased to exist after death. This belief is known as "annihilationism" or "materialism." Epicurus' teachings emphasized the pursuit of pleasure and the avoidance of pain as the ultimate goal in life. He is buried in the sepulchres, which were communal burial grounds in ancient Greece.

Virgil and Dante take refuge on the descent to the Seventh Circle because of the fetid stench. The smell is so overpowering and repulsive that it forces them to seek shelter. This suggests that the stench is unbearable and poses a significant obstacle to their journey. The other options, such as the Circle's Guardian, the flock of fallen angels, and the awful screams, are not mentioned as reasons for taking refuge, making the fetid stench the most logical choice.

The correct answer is incontinence, malice, and bestiality. These three evils are mentioned in the Ethics of Aristotle as the vices that should be avoided. Incontinence refers to a lack of self-control or the inability to resist temptation. Malice refers to the intention to harm others or cause suffering. Bestiality refers to behaving in a savage or animalistic manner. Aristotle believed that these vices hinder a person's ability to live a virtuous and fulfilling life.

The correct answer is Fraud. In Dante's Inferno, the Seventh Circle of Hell is reserved for those who commit acts of violence, hypocrisy, and fraud. However, out of these three sins, fraud is considered the worst in this circle. This is because fraud involves intentional deception and manipulation, causing harm and betrayal to others. It is seen as a more malicious and calculated sin compared to violence or hypocrisy.

The usurer is the correct answer because usury refers to the practice of lending money at high interest rates, which goes against the natural principles of fairness and equality. By exploiting others for personal gain, usurers disregard the natural principles of empathy, compassion, and cooperation. Therefore, they can be seen as evil beings who defy the laws of nature.