BIO

Caleb Taylor, a second-year student from Delray Beach, FL, is completing his BS in Environment & Society this semester, with a minor in International Affairs. His academic focus lies in sustainable design and urban analytics. Caleb plans to pursue an MS in Sustainability Management at Columbia University starting in the fall. Although his current work with Professor Coggeshall may not directly align with his research interests, his previous enrollment in her courses (ITT 3114 & ITW 4700) inspired him to take on the role of a Dante Today research assistant.

Dante in the Digital Age

Abstract

Dante Alighieri, a towering figure in Italian literature and culture, holds a revered position worldwide, with his works serving as a cornerstone of artistic inspiration and scholarly inquiry. Our research, conducted through the digital archive Dante Today, delves into the multifaceted exploration of Dante's global reception and evolving representations across cultures and media. From his seminal work, The Divine Comedy, to his broader literary corpus, Dante's influence transcends geographical and temporal boundaries, resonating with audiences far beyond his Italian origins.
In this cross-cultural examination, we observe and document over 2,000 posts within the Dante Today archive, meticulously capturing contemporary adaptations and reinterpretations of Dante and his works. Collaboratively curated by students and faculty from Florida State University and Johns Hopkins University, Dante Today serves as a dynamic platform inviting submissions from contributors worldwide. Our investigation sheds light on how Dante is perceived and appropriated in diverse cultural contexts, capturing these instances without imposing analytical frameworks and allowing for a nuanced understanding of his enduring relevance in the modern world.
We carefully categorize these ‘sightings,’ identifying patterns and themes that emerge based on temporal, geographical, and media contexts. Despite Dante's traditional association with Italian language, literature, and culture, our observations reveal instances where he is reimagined and repurposed, becoming a symbol that transcends cultural boundaries and resonates with audiences globally. Through descriptions and a unique tagging system, each post provides insights into the intricate interplay between Dante's legacy and contemporary cultural expressions.

Keywords: Italian, Dante, Web-Design