Discuss how the various characters benefit intellectually and professionally from their association with the “Dante Club” reading and translation group. How is the group similar to book clubs now popular throughout North America? How does it differ?
(Link to Discussion)

How is Dante's The Divine Comedy interpreted by the various groups/individuals within the novel? Do you think they "got" what Dante was trying to communicate in his poem? Why or why not?
(Link to Discussion)

The death of Fanny Longfellow leads Henry Wadsworth Longfellow to take "refuge" in his translation of Dante. Discuss why Dante in particular seems to help him through his dark period. How is his sanctuary affected by the outbreak of violence from that same work of literature?
(Link to Discussion)

Are there ways in which literature has provided a refuge in your own lives at difficult or confusing times?
(Link to Discussion)

In Dante's Divine Comedy, Dante's poetic idol Virgil leads him through the dangerous passages of the afterlie. In what ways do the characters of The Dante Club guide one another? Who would you say is the real leader?
(Link to Discussion)

How is The Dante Club book club similar to or different from Waterhsed Online BookCafe or your own book club? (Do you recognize any of the characters of The Dante Club in your own book club? In yourself?)
(Link to Discussion)

More questions to follow.