Dante Alighieri was an Italian writer, poet and philosopher whose most notable works took over ten years to complete. The Divine Comedy is one of the most epic compositions of Western literature which comprises three notable titles—Inferno, Purgatory and Paradiso. Out of these, Dante’s Inferno has gathered a lot of readers over the centuries as it is the most famous title.
In Dante’s Inferno, the poet depicts his journey through hell where he is accompanied by a great Roman poet, Virgil. His destination is heaven where his deceased lover, Beatrice is present. However, as he embarks on his journey in the realm of the dead, he sees vivid imagery of hell’s life and even meets some famous personalities. Lastly, he comes face to face with the devil whose feet were the end of the story but the beginning of the second book—purgatory.
The Nine Realms of Punishment In Dante’s Inferno
In the book, hell is a depiction of the different circles where each one consists of people with the given sins. At each circle, Dante meets people who are facing punishment for their sins and it is not a surprise that he meets some famous people from the past there. After travelling or moving through each of these circles, Dante came to the last circle or realm—it was where Satan his fierce look was punishing the people for treason.
- Lust
- Gluttony
- Greed
- Wrath
- Heresy
- Violence
- Fraud
Treachery: The Ninth Realm of Satan
In the last circle, lucifer is present who is torturing the three traitors—Judas, Brutus and Cassius. This eternal soul tormenting is the last sphere of Dante’s journey. After witnessing the souls he was on his back to purgatory. The last scene was the ending of the book and after this, the second book begins.
A Tale of Love and Rise to Heaven
There is some touch of Divine love in Dante’s Inferno as his deceased lover was in heaven. It is an allegory of God who we love and we can find him in heaven. However, to reach him we have to sacrifice part of our lives which are wreathed in sin.
The Divine Comedy: Readings After Dante’s Inferno
Dante’s Inferno is only the first of the three books in the Divine Comedy. The series is an epic account of Dante’s journey to reach heaven. In the second book, he finds himself in purgatory, a realm similar to Earth. Only after committing a life of righteousness in purgatory one can find himself in heaven.
Quotes
“O human race, born to fly upward, wherefore at a little wind dost thou sa fal?”
“Abandon all hope, you who enter here.”
Final Thoughts: Theological Allegory in Dante’s Inferno
Dante’s Inferno is one of the best pieces of literature from the 13th century. The book series is a statement to the norms of the society at that time as it has hidden underlying messages for the people. On top of that, the book’s ability to narrate the human condition using theological and philosophical characters makes it a masterpiece of our times. Finally, one can’t understand the values of Western tradition without reading book.
Frequently Ask Questions (FAQs)
What is the Dante’s Inferno about?
Dante’s Inferno is about his journey through hell to his way up to heaven through purgatory.
Why is Dante’s Inferno so great?
Inferno is an epic poem because it has a great story—both theological and mythological aspects are taken.
Is Inferno based on a true story?
No, Dante’s Inferno is not based on a true event of the author.
Why is it called Divine Comedy?
Because Dante’s Inferno represents triumph after an individual is successful in overcoming sin.
