Letter to Cangrande della Scala by Dante Alighieri. Short summary

5 seconds

Dante says that the rumors spread by the people about the addressee of the letter vary widely: some claim that della Scala brings a better future, while others fear the man.

1 minute

Dante argues that the rumors the people spread about della Scala vary greatly: some people believe that the addressee of the letter is a symbol of hope for a good future, while others fear doing business with him. Alighieri had previously believed that the praise of such characters was exaggerated and untrue.

To dispel his own doubts, the Italian poet decided to travel to Verona. There he radically changed his mind — Dante declared that della Scala should be given a higher appraisal than that which was present in the popular discourse. Alighieri began to regard the addressee of the letter as his comrade.

The Italian poet writes that he is not afraid of being accused of arrogance because friendship is between people of different social status.

The author of the letter sent della Scala a gift — a work he had written called Paradise.