Research Paper On Dantes Inferno

Dante Alighieri is known as one of the greatest Italian poet. He finished his poem the Divine Comedy in 1320 which is an everlasting piece of art. The poem was based on Christianity and shows the journey of Dante, the protagonist in hell, purgatory and finally paradise. It captures Dante’s journey as he gets closer to god. Throughout this journey, Dante first enters inferno(hell) and meets Virgil, his mentor and guide in his journey. Virgil is also known as one of the greatest poets of all times. Virgil was born before the arrival of Christ therefore, Virgil was never baptized and is unfortunately stuck in hell for eternity. When I began reading the Divine Comedy I realized that Dante really takes the time to hear what the souls must say regarding

It almost seems as if there is a repeating theme in the inferno regarding getting immortality through the act of storytelling. Through Dante’s writing he was not only able to make himself immortal but also many other people immortal as well by including their narratives into his poem allowing these people to live on and being known through Dante’s work. It is also very interesting how Dante endlessly stresses in his writing the significance of sinner’s receiving and seeing through their punishments but also takes the time to hear and take note of many of the soul’s stories. The Inferno is a part of the Divine Comedy in which we meet multiple sinners who receive the chance to reiterate their story to Dante, and be fortunate that Dante includes them in their poem they get the prospect of becoming

Virgil is one of the most philosophical poets of his period but unfortunately, he was born before the advent of Christ and therefore he is stuck in hell. While reading, I learn from heaven Beatrice, asks Virgil to guide Dante through his journey in Inferno. When upon Virgil’s introduction in the poem, Dante makes a note to address him as a poet. He keeps Virgil in the light as a person who has much knowledge and insight of literature. Dante wants the reader to see Virgil as a poet or teachers, Virgil even introduces himself as a poet filled of knowledge not as a guide who is sent to help Dante gain insight, travel the underworld while on his journey. “I was a poet then” (Inf. I, 73). He unceasingly speaks highly of Virgil’s intelligence, wisdom and in awe when he realizes that he is speaking to Virgil. “‘So, could it be,’ I answered him (my brow, in shy respect, bent low), ‘you are that Virgil, whose words (a river running full) flow wide? You are the light and glory of al poets. May this well sere me: my unending care, the so great, that’s made me search your writings through! You are my teacher. You, my lord and law’”(Inf I, 79-85). It seems since Dante is most concerned with showcasing Virgil’s intellectual literacy, Virgil’s true purpose in the poem seems to revolve around helping Dante in constructing the finest poem that he possible can. With Virgil on this