Download Infernal Grammar

Infernal Grammar
Name __________________
____/24
Grammar Lesson One
•
Language Skill: Pronouns and their antecedents.
A pronoun is a word that is used to substitute for a noun. The word it replaces is called its antecedent. Each pronoun
must agree with its antecedent in number, person and gender. It is easy to make a careless error in matching
antecedents and pronouns. Look at the following sentence and try and "hear" what's wrong.
Example: Every teenager should have their own car.
This sentence is wrong because "teenager" is singular and "their" is plural. The sentence could be recast in several
different ways to make it correct.
Teenagers should have their own cars.
A teenage girl should have her own car.
A teenage boy should have his own car.
Pronouns and antecedents can also cause problems if they are placed "too far" away from each other in the sentence
or paragraph. Usually the pronoun and its antecedent are placed "close" together. Sometime the sense of the
sentence will make clear which pronoun refers to which noun. (Check sentence 4 below.)
Example: Dante left his hometown. Dante and his are singular, third person, masculine. They agree in number,
person and gender. Sometimes the pronouns and antecedents appear in the same sentence, sometimes in different
sentences. Look at this example:
Dante Alighieri was born in Florence in 1265. He was descended from a well respected family .
Here are a few more examples of sentences with correct pronoun/antecedent agreement. Circle the both the
pronoun and its antecedent.
1. The Inferno is very precise; it was written in terrza rima.
2. Dante makes Virgil an important character in the story. He represents Reason.
3. Dante also employs Beatrice in the poem. She symbolizes the divine love of God, the power of faith, and
the importance of hope.
4. Dante was influenced greatly by Beatrice although he saw her only twice in his lifetime.
5. Dante lived in Florence. It was a burgeoning center of trade, banking and manufacturing.
6. Beatrice died when she was only 24 years old.
http://www.teachersfirst.com/lessons/dante/guide.htm
1
Lesson Two: Let's join Dante on the journey....
•
•
Cantos 1-3 The Vestibule
Language Skill: Parallel structure
The Vestibule
Canto I
Location: The Dark Wood
Dante, in mid-life, finds himself lost in a dark and treacherous wood. It is Easter time -- Good Friday. In the
distance he glimpses what he thinks is a way out, but immediately he is confronted with three wild beasts -- a
leopard, a lion and a she-wolf. These creatures symbolize three types of error or sin: the leopard symbolizes
mean-spiritedness and fraud, the lion represents violence, and the she-wolf represents unrestrained
passions. Dante stands frozen in fear when suddenly the figure of Virgil appears. Virgil explains that he has
been "hired" to guide Dante through the terrors of both the Inferno and the Purgatorio.
Canto II
Dante is terrified and reluctant to make the journey. Virgil explains that he has been sent by Beatrice to aid Dante.
Canto III
The poets make their way to the vestibule of hell. They must pass through a gateway with the following message
carved into the stone: “Abandon all hope ye who enter here”. This place is like an anteroom or a foyer -- it is not
part of Hell-proper so to speak. Here Dante -- and we, the readers -- see the plan of symbolic retribution that will make
up the rest of the story. Dante is horrified at the sight before him. He is viewing the punishment of the uncommitted.
Dante sees the souls of those who, in life, took no stand, kept no promises, honored no loyalties. Their punishment is
to forever chase after an ever-moving flag, all the while surrounded by horrible fetid air full of stinging bees and
wasps. As the insects bite the sinners, maggots emerge to suck the pus that oozes from their sores. Dante now
crosses the river Acheron to visit the First Circle of the Inferno.
Grammar Lesson Two:
Parallel Structure
Using parallel structure correctly can make writing memorable. Look at the following example from a famous source:
Veni, vidi, vici. I came, I saw, I conquered. ---Julius Caesar.
Parallel structure refers to the matching of grammatical elements within a sentence. A sentence structured with
grammatically parallel elements will most likely be clear, stylish and balanced.
Listen for the pleasing rhythm of the sentence, the logical balance of ideas and the repetition of form. Simply "match"
the appropriate structures to create a delightful sentence!
http://www.teachersfirst.com/lessons/dante/guide.htm
2
Practice exercise:
The following sentences are incorrect. Re-write using proper parallel structure.
Remember you might have to totally re-cast the form of the sentence to make it read correctly. Don't be afraid
of re-writing!
1. Dante became lost in the woods, was threatened by three animals and he felt overcome with fear.
2. The leopard represents malice, the lion represents violence, unchecked passions are symbolized by the
she-wolf.
3. Dante was terrified of the dark wood, the three beasts, and to see the swarming insects.
4. Virgil is a symbol of reason and Beatrice has the function of representing divine love.
5. The sinners in the Vestibule are pursued by wasps, maggots and a lot of bees follow them.
6. Dante also employs the character of Beatrice in the poem. She symbolizes the divine love of God, the
power of faith, and hoping.
7. The sinners in the Vestibule are tortured by insects who chase them, sting them, and are sucking the pus
out of their sores.
Lesson 3:
•
•
Canto IV - Circle One: Limbo
Language Skill--Indefinite pronouns/ agreement of subject and verb
Circle One: Limbo
Dante finds himself across the great river Acheron and views the First Circle -- Limbo. This circle is different from all
the rest that he will visit. Here there is no punishment or torture. This place is inhabited by the "good pagans." These are
the souls of those who died unbaptized; their only pain is that they will never see the face of God. Here Dante sees such
great poets as Homer and Ovid.
Grammar Lesson Three:
Subjects, Verbs, Indefinite pronouns
There are a few devilish traps in dealing with pronouns. Remember that the following indefinite pronouns are singular in number:
each, either, neither, one, everybody, another, everybody, everyone, nobody, everything, someone, and somebody
Note the following examples:
http://www.teachersfirst.com/lessons/dante/guide.htm
3
1. Each of the poem's sections is divided into cantos. (Singular subject takes singular verb)
2. Each of the sinners is punished according to the plan of symbolic retribution.
3. Everything is dark and dreary in the woods.
4. One of the characters in the story represents reason.
5. Another of the great poets is Homer.
Now you try! Each of the sentences above has no error. Use these sentences as patterns as you select the correct verb in the
examples below. Remember these are singular: each, either, neither, one, everybody, another, everybody, everyone,
nobody, everything, someone, and somebody
1. Everyone in Circle One ( seems / seem) to recognize Virgil.
2. Each of the circles of hell (represents/ represent) the punishment of a different sin.
3. Everyone in the Vestibule (suffers/suffer).
4. Nobody in Limbo (is/are) tortured.
5. Another of the characters in the story ( addresses/address) Virgil.
6. One of the characters (carries/carry) a wavering flag.
Lesson Four:
•
•
Canto V - Circle Two: The Lustful
Language skill: Possessive review
Circle Two: The Lustful
In order to pass to Circle Two Dante and Virgil must pass by Minos the great Judge of the Underworld. Minos
evaluates each sinner as he appears before him and coils his tail reveal the sinner's assigned circle. Two coils mean
Circle Two, three coils mean Circle Three and so on. Dante now views the punishment of the Carnal and Lustful.
These are sinners who let their passions sweep them away in life, now, in death they are condemned to be "swept away"
for all eternity. A dirty, smelly, powerful and tempestuous wind batters and whirls these sinners at a fervid speed. Here
Dante sees such memorable characters as Dido, Queen of Carthage; Helen, the beauty of Troy; and Cleopatra, the
great ruler of Egypt. In honor of Dante's visit, the winds cease for a short spell -- long enough for Dante to hear the sad
and famous story of the lovers Paulo and Francesca.
http://www.teachersfirst.com/lessons/dante/guide.htm
4
Grammar Lesson Four: Possessives
Possessives show ownership! In English we can show ownership in two ways-- by either using a prepositional phrase or by using
a possessive form. Example: Dante's hat is red. OR The hat of Dante is red.
Look at the examples below.
The rules!
To form the possessive of a singular noun, add 's
(Option: If a singular noun ends in s, you may add either 's or just ' )
To form the possessive of a plural noun ending in s, add '
To form the possessive of a plural noun not ending in s, add 's
Word
Rule
Possessive form in use
Dante
To form the possessive of a singular
noun, add 's
Dante's story ...
Dido
To form the possessive of a singular
noun, add 's
Dido's punishment was to inhabit Circle Two.
lovers
To form the possessive of a plural noun
ending in s, add '
The lovers' story moved Dante to tears.
Minos
To form the possessive of a singular
noun, add 's
Minos's tail or
Minos' tail....
(Option: If a singular noun ends in s,
you may add either 's or just ')
Egypt
To form the possessive of a singular
noun, add 's
Egypt's queen was Cleopatra.
Children
To form the possessive of a plural noun
not ending in s, add 's
The children's eyes grew wide as the teacher told the
story of lustful Paulo.
Sinner
To form the possessive of a singular
noun, add 's
The sinner's circle was revealed by the coils of
Minos's tail.
Sinners
To form the possessive of a plural noun
ending in s, add '
The sinners' cries could be heard over the din of the
wind.
http://www.teachersfirst.com/lessons/dante/guide.htm
5
Gateway
To form the possessive of a singular
noun, add 's
The gateway's sign read: Abandon all hope ye who
enter here.
Directions: Put apostrophes in where they are needed.
1. Minos job in the Underworld is to assign sinners to their proper circle.
2. According to Dante, Cleopatras sin was lust.
3. The coiled tail of Minos reveals Didos punishment.
4. Virgils job is to guide Dante on the journey through the Inferno.
5. Francescas love was for Paolo.
Lesson Five:
•
Circle Three: The Gluttons
•
Language Skill: The use of the semi-colon
Dante and Virgil pass on to Circle Three to view the punishment of the gluttonous. They see all around them what resembles a
disgusting garbage heap. And thus the symbolic punishment is once again revealed -- as these sinners "pigged out" in life, now
they must live in a heap of swinish garbage as their eternal punishment. To make matters even worse, they are guarded by the
violent and powerful three-headed dog Cerberus. If the sinner attempts to move away from the filth, Cereberus appears to cover
the sinner over with hellish-three-headed dog-slobber! Dante and Virgil then move toward the next Circle and view the monster
Plutus.
Grammar Lesson Five: The Use of the semi-colon
For some reason, many students think that the use of the semi-colon is perplexing and difficult. In reality, however, using the
semi-colon properly can enable the writer to create a very stylish sentence! A semi-colon is used to join two independent clauses.
You must remember that the connected clauses must be logically related.
I. Directions: Place the semi-colon in the proper place in each sentence.
1. As Dante leaves Circle Two he is overcome with grief he faints dead away.
2. Circle Three is a huge trash heap there are stinking piles of garbage everywhere.
3. The Gluttons are punished according to their sins they must now lie in filthy debris and smelly rubbish.
http://www.teachersfirst.com/lessons/dante/guide.htm
6
4. Cerberus is portrayed as a huge slobbering monster-dog his function is to terrorize the sinners.
II. Directions: Write a sentence about Circle Three of your own using a semicolon. Try to use one or more of the following
words in your sentence-- slavering, disgusting, slobbering, swinish, fetid, odious, foul or repellant.
Lesson Six:
•
•
Circle Four: The Hoarders and the Wasters - Circle Five The Wrathful and
the Sullen
Language Skill - Commas and Appositives
Language Skill: Using Commas with Appositives
In the Fourth Circle Dante and Virgil see two groups of sinners-- the greedy, avaricious hoarders and the immoderate and
excessive wasters. These sinners are condemned to roll great boulders towards each other. When they meet, they divide and begin
again. Thus greed and miserliness punish each other. Dante and Virgil also see Dame Fortune as they descend through the
Marsh of the Styx to Circle Five -- the Wrathful and the Sullen. The Wrathful, true to their angry nature, are fighting amongst
themselves in a pit of disgusting and foul slime. The Sullen, true to their morose and sulky nature, lie mired underneath the
swamp of the Styx, muttering and complaining about their fate.
Grammar Lesson Six: Using commas with appositives
An appositive renames or explains a preceding noun or pronoun and is set off by commas. The appositive (which is always a
noun) may have other the words that go with it. This is called an appositive phrase. The entire phrase will be set off by commas.
Underline the appositive phrases in the examples below:
1. Dante, an important Florentine citizen, was sent into exile.
2. Virgil, Dante's guide, proves to be a worthy companion.
3. The Sullen, constant complainers on earth, are stuck under slime in Hell for all eternity.
4. The Marsh of the Styx, a disgusting swamp, blocks Dante's path to Circle Five.
Get the idea? Now it's your turn to write a sentence about Circle Five using an appositive or an appositive phrase.
http://www.teachersfirst.com/lessons/dante/guide.htm
7
Lesson Seven: Cantos VIII-XI
•
•
Circle Five: The Wrathful Circle Six: The Fallen Angels and the Heretics
Language Skill: Avoiding comma splices and fused sentences
Phlegyas, the surly boatman of the Styx, is forced to give Dante and Virgil safe passage across the disgusting waters of the marsh.
As the boat speeds across the water, Dante recognizes Fillippo Argenti. Argenti, an enemy of Dante's family, is soundly cursed by
Dante and then attacked by the other sinners. Dante and Virgil reach a great iron gate guarded by the fallen angels. In Circle Six
Dante sees many strange and disturbing sights. Dante has a close call with Medusa, most dreaded of the infernal furies. Dante
beholds the sufferings of the Heretics, those who did violence against God, as they suffer in fiery tombs.
Grammar Lesson Seven:
Avoiding the comma splice and fused sentences
Despite their sound, the terms "splicing"and "fusing" do not describe torture techniques used by English teachers on unwary
students! Grammarians use the term fused sentence to describe two sentences that are run together without an appropriate mark of
punctuation. A sentence with a comma splice refers to two sentences incorrectly joined (or spliced together) with a comma.
Here are some examples:
Comma splice: Dante has a close call with Medusa, Dante then beholds the sufferings of the heretics.
Fused sentence: Dante has a close call with Medusa Dante then beholds the sufferings of the heretics.
These errors can be corrected in several different ways.
Two sentences:
Dante has a close call with Medusa. Dante then beholds the sufferings of heretics.
Sentence with a coordinating conjunction and comma:
Dante has a close call with Medusa, and then he beholds the sufferings of heretics.
Sentence with an introductory subordinate clause:
After he endures a close call with Medusa, Dante beholds the suffering of the heretics.
Sentence with a semicolon:
Dante has a close call with Medusa; he then beholds the suffering of the heretics.
Get the idea? Now it's your turn to write a sentence about Circle Five. Be careful! Don't splice or fuse!
http://www.teachersfirst.com/lessons/dante/guide.htm
8
Lesson Eight:
•
•
Cantos XII-XVIII: Circle Seven - The Violent
Language Skill: Affect and Effect
In Circle Seven Dante sees the punishments of the Violent. The organization of this circle, and those that follow,
becomes increasingly complex. Circle Seven is divided into three parts (or "rounds") with each section providing
appropriate torments for different types of violence. As always, this section of The Inferno follows the plan of symbolic
retribution. In order to enter the Seventh Circle Dante and Virgil must first pass by the dreaded beast the Minotaur and
circle around the Phlegethon River, the river of boiling blood. This boiling blood provides proper torment for the
inhabitants of the First Round--the Violent Against Neighbors. The evil-doers thrash around in the boiling swirling
liquid. Guarding the banks are centaurs, "well armed with arrows," who shoot at any sinner who dares attempt to
escape. In this section of the circle Dante sees the famous violent sinners Attila the Hun and Alexander the Great.
The poets progress to Round Two--the Violent Against Themselves. Here the inhabitants are imprisoned in trees. The
leaves and branches are fed upon by Harpies, causing the wounds to bleed profusely. In Round Three Dante sees the
Violent against God, Nature and Art. These sinners are tormented on a burning plain. The arid sand represents the
fruitless nature of their sins. It is in this circle that Dante sees the hideous monster Geryon, a creature that is emblematic
of fraud. This disgusting creature serves a "flying ferry" and carries Dante and Virgil down the cliffs to Circle Eight.
Grammar Lesson Eight: Affect and Effect
One of the trickiest problems for many students is the correct use of the words affect and effect. Let's look at their meanings:
Affect is, for our purposes, always a verb. (There is a specialized use of the word affect as a noun in the field of psychology, and
if you become a psych major in college you'll have to deal with it.) For now, however, remember: affect is a verb that means (1)
to act on, impress, change (2) to feign or pretend
Here are some examples:
1. Dante was greatly affected by what he saw in Circle Seven.
2. The boiling blood of the Phelgethon River affected the sinners immensely; they writhed in agony.
3. Dante's descriptions affect the reader with vivid and terrifying power.
4. While reading The Inferno out loud, the teacher affected an Italian accent.
Got it? Now, let's look at effect. It can either be a noun or a verb.
(1) effect (n.)- a result, influence or impression
Here are some examples:
1. The effect of the punishment on the sinners was apparent.
2. Virgil's guidance had a positive effect on Dante.
http://www.teachersfirst.com/lessons/dante/guide.htm
9
3. The effect of Dante's journey through hell is clear; he is terrified.
4. The menacing looks of the centaurs had an immediate effect on the sinners.
Hint: One way to check for the proper use of effect in a sentence is to try the articles "the," "a" or "an" in front of it. If it makes
sense, use the word effect.
(2) The word effect as a noun can also be used in the plural -- effects.
In this sense it means belongings or personal possessions.
1. Dante was not allowed to carry his personal effects on the journey to hell; no luggage is permitted.
(3) The final use of effect is as a verb. It means to accomplish or to bring about. In this use, the sentence will often have either or
the word or implication of change or metamorphosis.
Look at these examples:
1. Dante wanted to effect a change in the reader's sensibilities, to warn the reader of the danger of sin, and to entertain the reader
while teaching a lesson.
2. In order to effect a change in the reader's view, Dante vividly describes the punishments of hell.
Okay--- take a deep breath now and try these on your own. Look back at the rules if you get stuck.
1. The (affect/effect) of The Inferno on the reader is often significant and profound.
2. Dante's appearance in the Second Circle (affected/effected) a change in the weather; the passionate winds stopped
howling.
3. Dante's political views (affected/effected) his entire life.
4. The centaurs' personal (affects/effects) included bows and arrows.
Lesson Nine:
•
•
Cantos XVIII- XXXI - Circle Eight: Malebolge
Grammar Lesson: Active and Passive Constructions
Unlike the other circles, this lovely piece of real estate has a name-- "Malebolge"-- variously translated as "evil pockets," "evil
ditches," or "evil pouches."
•
In Pouch One demons spur and drive the Panderers and Seducers.
•
Pouch Two contains the Flatterers who are sunk up to their necks in excrement.
http://www.teachersfirst.com/lessons/dante/guide.htm
10
•
Pouch Three holds the Simoniacs (sellers of church favors). These sinners are positioned upside down in "bins" that
resemble baptismal fonts. The soles of their feet are set ablaze. They stay in this position until new sinners arrive, then
they drop down into the rock crevices for all eternity.
•
In Pouch Four Dante sees the Fortunetellers. These sinners have their heads on backwards and must walk "backwards"
for all time. In life, they attempted to "see" the future, now in death they must see the past. It is here that Dante sees
Tiresias, the soothsayer from the ancient Greek myths.
•
Pouch Five holds the Grafters. They are immersed in sticky tar pitch-- a perfect punishment for their lives of "sticky
fingered" crime. These sinners are watched over by demons armed with murderous hooks and claws-- used to ensure that
the sinners stay put in the pitch!
•
In Pouch Six Dante sees the Hypocrites who now wander through all eternity weighed down by heavy weighted robes -robes which, on the outside appear golden and bright, but on the inside lack any sort of luster.
•
The Thieves are punished in Pouch Seven. The thieves are provided with a particularly complicated punishment. They
are at first surrounded by monstrous snakes that coil around each sinner=s hands, binding him fast. When thus
immobilized, another reptile darts out to strike the sinner=s throat, causing the sinner to explode into flame. But the
punishment is not over yet--- from the flaming ashes, the sinner re-emerges to undergo the torment again and again.
•
The Evil Counselors are punished in Pouch Eight, hidden in great cups of flame that symbolize their guilty consciences.
Here Dante sees Ulysses and Diomede, the instigators of the Trojan Horse ploy.
•
Pocket Nine holds the sowers of religious, political and family discord. In life thee people ripped apart peace and
placidity; now in death they are ripped apart physically. Dante sees Mahomet, who, in Dante=s view represents religious
schism. Mahomet=s torso is ripped by a sword slice. As he approaches, Dante observes that Mahomet is "mangled and
split open." Dante then sees Bertrand de Born, a French troubadour/knight traditionally blamed for the rift between
Henry II and his son. As he comes closer, Dante sees that de Born=s head has been severed-- as he advances he holds his
head before him like a lantern. This is surely one of the most horrifying scene in the whole poem!
•
In Pocket Ten Dante views the falsifiers--alchemists, evil impersonators ( NOT Elvis impersonators!),
counterfeiters, and false witnesses. These sinners, who in life, corrupted all, now are made to endure every sort of
corruption and pain. Darkness, dirt, filth, disease, hunger, thirst and noise surround them. Dante and Virgil now move on
past a vast horde of Giants who guard the "Central Pit" of Malebolge.
Grammar Skill Nine: The Passive Voice
In English, verbs have either an active "voice" or a passive "voice." Most of the time we write and speak using active voice
constructions.
Active: Dante visited the dark, disgusting and vast circle of Malebolge.
Sometimes, however, a writer may wish to emphasize the object part of the sentence rather than the subject. The passive voice is
really a "switched around" sentence in which the object becomes the subject. Confused? Don't despair! Just look at the example
below of a passive construction:
Passive: The dark, disgusting and vast circle of Malebolge was visited by Dante.
http://www.teachersfirst.com/lessons/dante/guide.htm
11
In this sentence the focus is on the horrifying characteristics of Malebolge rather than on Dante.
If that is what you wish to emphasize, then a passive construction is fine. In most cases, however, the active voice is preferable
to the passive.
Change the following sentences to use the active voice rather than the passive.
1. The achievements of Dante were acclaimed even while he was alive.
2. In Circle Two, the judging of sinners was performed by Minos.
3. Transportation problems were solved when Charon ferried sinners across the waters.
Lesson Ten:
•
•
Cantos XXXII-XXXIV - Circle Nine : Cocytus
Grammar Skill: Avoiding misplaced and dangling modifiers
Dante and Virgil begin the last part of their journey. They have arrived at the Ninth and final circle of hell. The
landscape here, perhaps surprisingly, is that of a vast frozen lake. It is described as "a lake so frozen/it seemed to be
made of glass." Here are the sinners farthest away from the warm love of God. First Dante views the Treacherous
Against their Kin. This particular section of hell -- Cocytus -- is called Caina, named of course, after the Biblical Cain.
Next Dante arrives at Antenora and sees the Traitors to Country. Here Dante, along with the reader, is mesmerized by
the terrifying story of Count Ugolino and Archbishop Ruggieri. The third section of Cocytus is called Ptolomea is the
home of the Treacherous to Guests and Hosts. These sinners are pinned in the ice, their eyes shut with frozen tears.
Section four, Judecca, named for Judas Iscariot, punishes the Treacherous to their Masters. At the center of this horrid
ice-pit we find Satan. Although he is imprisoned in the ice, his great wings are free to beat the frozen air. He is a monster
of the most grotesque nature. He has three faces. In each of his mouths Satan chomps on the greatest traitors in Dante=s
view -- Judas, the betrayer of Christ, is ripped and guzzled in the center mouth of Satan. The other mouths shred Cassius
and Brutus, the betrayers of Caesar. Dante=s reaction to this sight is one of the most awesome fear. His first view is
described in this manner:
"Do not ask, Reader, how my blood ran cold
and my voice choked up with fear. I cannot write it:
this is a terror that cannot be told."
After observing the horrible image of Satan, Dante and Virgil must climb down the furry body of Satan, "repelling" off
of this torso to arrive at the exit of Hell. They walk along the banks of Lethe, the River of Forgetfulness and emerge at
the foot of Mount Purgatory. It is Easter Sunday morning.
Grammar Lesson Ten:
Avoiding misplaced and dangling modifiers
The problem of "misplaced" or "dangling" modifiers can mar your writing. This is also a grammar skill that is often
tested on standardized tests. Sentences containing phrases must be constructed in such a way so that those phrases are
located in the right place in the sentence. A phrase that is misplaced often appears to modify the wrong word. This can
cause confusion! It can also create some pretty amusing mistakes! The most common mistakes involve gerund or
participial phrases. Here are some correct examples:
http://www.teachersfirst.com/lessons/dante/guide.htm
12
1. gerund phrase---- Swimming in a sea of blood was the punishment of the violent.
In this sentence the phrase Swimming in a sea of blood functions as the subject of the sentence.
2. participial phrase ---- Swimming in a sea of blood, the sinner choked and coughed.
In this sentence Swimming in a sea of blood works like an adjective and modifies the word sinner.
Participles can be either be present (ending in -ing) or past (ending usually in ed, d, n, or t).
Confused? Don't be. But look at the examples below for some real confusion! All of the sentences below are wrong.
Explain why they are wrong and then correct them. Think about what each sentence really says!
1. While rowing the boat across the river, the violent waters gurgled and churned.
2. Climbing down the body of Satan, the view of hell was overwhelming.
3. Being a hypocrite, a leaden robe was what the sinner was forced to wear.
4. Being guilty of lust, the wind in Circle Two howled and wailed.
5. Walking down the steep and winding path, the Marsh of the Styx smelled terrible.
6. Being a sinner, I cringe at the punishments of Dido, Diomede, and Boniface.
http://www.teachersfirst.com/lessons/dante/guide.htm
13