Mary Jo Bang

Poet and Dante translator Mary Jo Bang discusses the challenges and joys of translating Purgatorio. Topics include the emotional evolution of Dante's character, the relevance of Dante's poetry in the modern world, analyzing character voices in the poem, and contemplating tackling the translation of Paradiso.

Mary Jo Bang, a poet celebrated for her innovative approach to translation, discusses her 20-year journey translating Dante's 'Divine Comedy.' She shares the challenges of making the ancient text relatable, emphasizing the complexities of English as a 'rhyme-poor' language. Bang reflects on the transformative experience of engaging with Dante's themes, particularly during the pandemic. She also highlights how the translation resonates with contemporary issues, bridging the past and present in a remarkable literary endeavor.