Canto II Allusions & Cultural References

When poets refer to other great works, people, and events, it’s usually not accidental. Put on your super-sleuth hat and figure out why.

Literary and Philosophical References:

  • Robert Browning, Sordello (2-4)
  • Homer, The Iliad (11-22)
  • Ovid, The Metamorphoses (19, 40-129)

Historical References:

  • Pablo Picasso (8)

Mythological References:

  • Lir (7)
  • Tyro (23, 135)
  • Pentheus (59, 114)
  • Acoetes (62-101)
  • Lyaeus (95)
  • Tiresias (115)
  • Cadmus (115)
  • Dafne (124)
  • Poseidon (133)
  • Hesperus (144)
  • Proteus (153)
  • the fauns (153-156)