Divine Comedy In Dante's Inferno

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Among the followers of Christianity, questions arise in order to find the righteous path to Heaven’s gate. On the contrary, there are those who seek answers for what is forsaken. Dante Alighieri fully expresses himself on this dilemma in his written work, The Divine Comedy. The first part of the epic poem is Inferno; Dante defines and constructs Hell, based on the morals and judgments set by common beliefs during his time. Dante also uses Aristotle’s philosophical work to shape the structure of Hell. Undergoing a journey through Hell as himself, Dante places famous literary icons to assist in questioning the acts of justice. Dante builds and contrast between the sinners who are innocent, and those who deliberately perform evil deeds. Virgil, a fellow poet and pagan, exemplifies wisdom and clarity that which Dante must learn through his endeavor. Virgil’s guidance will provide contrast and the necessary guidance to reach Paradise. The change of character Dante experience, is dreadful; pity and remorse must be exempted to honor retribution for the sinners’ defiance against God. All the answers regarding Hell, lies upon meeting the primal sinner, Lucifer, the Fallen Angel. Dante’s journey unfolds a critical analysis in which portrays the human struggle in every individual. There are several implications of the four functions of myth that can be derived from Dante’s Inferno. Dante divides Hell into three dispositions: incontinence, malice and brutality. (Alighieri, Dante, and Longfellow 6.79-82) Sinners are placed in the lesser part of Hell, the incontinence, when demonstrating an uncontrollable appetite for human desires. The application of the psychological function is evident through Dante’s descriptions of the sins committed. “Th... ... middle of paper ... ...orsaken. To bypass the Minotaur, Dante and Virgil provoked the beast into madness. The Minotaur was defeated by his own madness, charging relentlessly; this depicts that anger is self-destructive and should be avoided. Dante also used Chiron and the centaurs to depict intellect being overpowered by bestiality. (Ralphs) The contrast is the wisdom Chiron is renowned for, to the generic centaurs in which act upon primal instincts. The notion to lead a virtuous life is again falsified because of inherent appearances. Although Chiron’s punishment is less severe to that of tyrants, the mere presence in Hell is ominous. The psychology aspect entails self-restraint, and to also avoid lashing out against others. Going to the deepest region of Hell, Dante faces the sins of Fraudulent. The sinners of deception and betrayal is depicted as the worst defiance against God’s will.

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