"In the ethical scheme of Dante's Inferno, there are two modes of sin, forza and froda, violence and fraud, and every sin is committed under one or other of these aspects. Ethically, froda ranks lower than forza, because its use of disguise and concealment makes it more difficult to recognize as vice" (Frye 65).
As with everything with Frye, this passage is profound and helps me to perceive themes of the "night world" in romance. However, Frye does go on to explain that these "two modes of sin" are also modes of virtue. I find this concept challenging because I can't understand how violence and deception can be virtues in any way. When is violence good? I've never experienced an act of violence that felt the best choice for all those involved. I guess if I really stretch, and think about the Buddhist belief that if you are in a ring with a lion become a lion. Perhaps all evil knows and will listen to is violence? These are questions I don't have answers for at this time. With regards to froda, fraud, I can't think of a single time I've been deceived and didn't feel betrayed on some level. How deception can be a virtue is compelling. Yet, Frye goes on to tell us that "it is not surprising that European literature should begin with the celebration of these two mighty powers of humanity" (65). I have more work to do in understanding this quality of romance.
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