Activity Overview
After reading Dante’s Inferno, with all of its gruesome imagery, many students will wonder what point Dante was trying to make. Was he trying to scare all of his readers into making sure they led Christian lives? Was he trying to attack the political opponents who exiled him in a passive-aggressive manner?
Help students focus on the universal journey Dante is trying to explain here, by pointing out that there are many times in life where we might be headed down a wrong path, and there are lessons that need to be learned in order to straighten us out. This is especially true for many teenagers, who may be faced with peer pressure and the responsibilities that come with increased freedoms.
Have students create their own personal Inferno journeys. Stress that it should not be religious, but it should reflect a real-life situation they may have faced or might face, that highlights a time when guidance might be needed to reach a better understanding. Have them choose a guide into their Inferno, and have them explain why they have chosen this guide. An 8-cell sample storyboard of this assignment can be found below.
Example Inferno Journey
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Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Objective: Create a 6-8 cell storyboard that illustrates and describes your own personal Inferno journey.
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- In the title of the first cell, write, "Introduction". In the description box, write a very brief summary of your experience.
- In the title of the second cell, write, "Guide". In the description, be sure to include who the guide is and why you chose this person to be your guide.
- Illustrate and describe your example in parts, using the titles and descriptions for words, and the cells to illustrate each scene.
- Click "Save and Exit" when you are done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
After reading Dante’s Inferno, with all of its gruesome imagery, many students will wonder what point Dante was trying to make. Was he trying to scare all of his readers into making sure they led Christian lives? Was he trying to attack the political opponents who exiled him in a passive-aggressive manner?
Help students focus on the universal journey Dante is trying to explain here, by pointing out that there are many times in life where we might be headed down a wrong path, and there are lessons that need to be learned in order to straighten us out. This is especially true for many teenagers, who may be faced with peer pressure and the responsibilities that come with increased freedoms.
Have students create their own personal Inferno journeys. Stress that it should not be religious, but it should reflect a real-life situation they may have faced or might face, that highlights a time when guidance might be needed to reach a better understanding. Have them choose a guide into their Inferno, and have them explain why they have chosen this guide. An 8-cell sample storyboard of this assignment can be found below.
Example Inferno Journey
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Objective: Create a 6-8 cell storyboard that illustrates and describes your own personal Inferno journey.
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- In the title of the first cell, write, "Introduction". In the description box, write a very brief summary of your experience.
- In the title of the second cell, write, "Guide". In the description, be sure to include who the guide is and why you chose this person to be your guide.
- Illustrate and describe your example in parts, using the titles and descriptions for words, and the cells to illustrate each scene.
- Click "Save and Exit" when you are done.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Create Your Own Inferno Activity
How to Facilitate Safe and Respectful Sharing of Inferno Journeys in Class
Set clear expectations for respectful listening and supportive feedback before students present their journeys. Explain that sharing personal challenges requires trust and kindness from everyone.
Organize students into small groups for sharing
Divide students into groups of 3–4 to encourage active participation and reduce pressure on individual presenters. This makes sharing feel safer and ensures every student is heard.
Model thoughtful discussion with sample prompts
Provide discussion starters like “What did you learn from your guide?” or “How did your journey change your perspective?” to promote meaningful reflection and deepen understanding.
Encourage positive peer feedback after each presentation
Ask students to highlight something they admired or found relatable in each journey. Reinforce empathy and celebrate creative thinking within the group.
Wrap up with a whole-class reflection
Lead a short discussion on common themes or lessons noticed across different journeys. Connect individual stories to the broader idea of personal growth, just as Dante intended in his Inferno.
Frequently Asked Questions about Create Your Own Inferno Activity
What is a personal Inferno activity for students?
A personal Inferno activity asks students to create their own journey inspired by Dante’s Inferno, focusing on real-life challenges and lessons learned, rather than religious themes. Students choose a guide and illustrate scenarios where guidance leads to better decisions.
How can I help students relate Dante’s Inferno to modern life?
Encourage students to identify situations where they or their peers faced tough choices or negative influences. Have them design storyboards showing personal struggles, guided by a mentor, mirroring Dante’s journey but set in today’s world.
What steps should students follow to create their own Inferno journey storyboard?
Students should: 1) Write an introduction summarizing their experience, 2) Choose and explain a guide, 3) Break down key moments as storyboard cells, 4) Describe and illustrate each scene, and 5) Save and submit their work.
Why is it important for students to choose a guide in this assignment?
Choosing a guide helps students reflect on who influences them and why. It encourages them to think about positive role models or voices of conscience that can lead them to make better choices in difficult situations.
What are some examples of real-life situations students could use for their Inferno journeys?
Examples include resisting peer pressure, making safe driving decisions, handling academic honesty, or learning from mistakes. The activity works best when students pick scenarios relevant to their own lives and growth.
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Dante's Inferno
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