ENGLISH LITERATURE (CBSE/UGC NET)

Detailed explanation-1: -Here, Geryon has become the Monster of Fraud, a beast with enormous dragon-like wings with the paws of a bear or lion, the body of a wyvern, and a scorpion’s poisonous sting at the tip of his tail, but with the face of an “honest man", bull, ram, lion, or an eagle (similar to a manticore).

Detailed explanation-2: -Geryon’s triune nature symbolizes Fraud. He is, however, a living symbol, and Dante responds physically to his presence: he is fascinated by this monster just as a rabbit is fascinated by the charm of the snake.

Detailed explanation-3: -Just as Hercules was escaping with the cattle, Geryon attacked him. Hercules fought with him and shot him dead with his arrows. Munich 2620, Attic red figure kylix, c.

Detailed explanation-4: -GERYON was a three-bodied, four-winged giant who lived on the island of Erytheia in the westernmost reach of the earth-encircling river Okeanos (Oceanus). He possessed a fabulous herd of cattle whose coats were stained red by the light of the sunset. Herakles was sent to fetch these as one of his twelve labours.

Detailed explanation-5: -Geryon provides transportation to the next Circle. Minos flings sinners down into Hell, but at least some sinners must travel further down to the Circle where they will be punished. Just as Phlegyas the ferryman takes sinners across the Styx, so Geryon flies sinners from Circle 7 to Circle 8.