3. The description of the Geryon in Canto 17. How do you interpret this fantastical creature that signifies fraud? Why do you think the notion of fraud is important for Dante (especially given the fact that he is a writer -- what do writers do? What is the nature of fictional literature?) Do you see any other meanings in this creature?
The Geryon is fitting to represent Fraud because it in it's very physical nature it is conflicted. Half reptile and half hairy beast it confuses the beholder into believing it is trust worthy because as Dante notes "his face was innocent of every guile, benign and just in feature and expression." This face is what makes him more dangerous. His fraudulence is what lures his victims closer to him. As a writer, Dante is well accustomed to fraud because that is essentially the job of a story teller, to make his audience believe something that isn't true. A good writer can convince the reader of anything. And Dante fancies himself to be an excellent writer.
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