Dante's reaction to Francesca in Canto V has provoked differing interpretations. Some read the scene as evidence that he is sympathetic to passionate love—that the sin of lust is of less consequence than the humanity of the lovers—and that is the real moral lesson here. Others believe the scene demonstrates how dangerously seductive Francesca is and that love and lust are the same things to her. She is in this circle of Hell because she refuses to take responsibility for her actions. And what about Paolo—is he the seducer or the victim? What do you think? Based on your understanding of Dante, what is the lesson he wants us to learn?

Your response should be at least 500 words in length, should reference at least three separate passages from Canto V to support your argument, and must properly cite the literature and any additional sources you used.