Noakes argues that at the time he wrote the Divine Comedy, Dante's views had changed and he had realized that "although the Guelph ideal of civic autonomy [was] attractive on the surface, [it was] ultimately unsatisfying to one who reflects on politics deeply."
Noakes asserts that when Dante wrote the Divine Comedy, his views had undergone a transformation and he had arrived at the realization that "although the Guelph vision of local independence [was] initially alluring, [it was] ultimately disappointing to someone who gives considerable thought to politics."