The Importance Of Dantes Inferno - 1449 Words

Throughout Dante’s epic poem, Inferno, history has played an integral part in its storyline. By knowing the history, it is evident that the conflict between the Guelphs and the Ghibellines had an immense impact on the writing and the points made throughout. The issues of the time show themselves through the suggestive undertones and the scenarios Dante experiences. Accordingly, the text remains relevant due to the many lessons that can be learned through the sins of the people at the time relative to the sins of today. Though the text can be viewed through its historical significance or its ability to read without context, both engage the importance of Dante’s Inferno in society. By examining both ways of reading the epic, one can see why†¦show more content†¦In Dantes poem, he is a noble, virtuous pagan who guides Dante through hell, identifying circles and the sinners that reside in them (LitCharts). In many scenarios, Virgil finds himself comforting Dante wh en he is frightened and chastising him when he shows too much pity for sinners. In Canto 8, Dante tells Virgil, â€Å"Dear leader and guide! Seven times or more you have restored my confidence, and saved me from great dangers that would have beaten me down.† (Alighieri 77). Virgil is one of Dante’s biggest heroes and inspirations in the literary world; this is why he paints him as such in the Inferno. Through Dante’s study of Virgil’s work, he has given him confidence in his writing and confidence when he is being guided through hell. Knowledge on the importance of Virgil to Dante makes it clear why he is displayed as such a good guy. Further historical meanings can be seen through the use of Canto 10. In Canto 10, Dante and Virgil are traveling through the 6th circle of hell where the heretics reside. Virgil describes the heretics known as the Epicureans; they pursued pleasure in life because they believed that the soul died with the body. While this was happening, a voice suddenly appeared from one of the fiery tombs, interrupting them to address Dante. The voice recognizes Dante as a living Tuscan, with Virgil’s approval, Dante approaches the tomb to meet Farinata, a Florentine ofShow MoreRelatedThe Divine Comedy1705 Words   |  7 PagesComedy can be broken down to a epic that expresses a global message of human life. I. To understand The Divine Comedy and its impact, an understanding of Dante Alighieri’s life of tragic love and civil war can assist in unraveling the truth on Dante’s philosophical epic. Alighieri’s grief of a lost love and his involvement in a civil war led to his philosophical masterpiece, The Divine Comedy, influenced by classical writers like Homer and Virgil, using a distinct style and use of language thatRead MoreWhos Hell is this Anyway? 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