The Life Journey of a Pilgrim in Dante’s Inferno

Dante’s Depiction of the Ante-Purgatory in ’The Inferno’

Dante invents the ante-Purgatory in his poem ’the Inferno’ to depict to the reader that there is no specific place in the Bible known as Purgatory. It is believed to be a concept that was widely accepted during the early Christian ages and which led to doctrinal disagreements between the Catholics who counteracted reformation and protestant reformation. Dante shows that the fire depicted by the believers purporting it to punish sinners as a theological concept. He goes ahead to create an image of the second realm of life after (“Visualizing Dante’s Hell: See Maps & Drawings of Dante’s Inferno from the Renaissance through Today”). He fully develops the purgatory concept in various ways such as dramatic interactions with Dante and other characters, both topographical and geographical representations, inhabitant’s psychological portraits among many others.

Aristotle’s Philosophy in the Inferno

The inferno poem incorporates Aristotle’s philosophy since the poem is undeniably founded in Christian values and doctrines. The poet describes the various types of sinners on earth and the eventual punishments and torments they get in hell. The poem mostly dramatizes the afterlife of Christians. Dante uses his poetry to criticize Christians especially the church, its leaders and other believers. He draws a vivid line between the church as an institution and Christianity as a faith. Aristotle has a philosophy of human Good and function argument which stipulates that humans need to be good and full of good virtues such as kindness, happiness, and respect. The inferno, critics the church leaders for their actions using the Aristotle philosophy. This usage of the philosophy shows that leaders and the church need to understand the scriptures and act by them openly.

The Role of Reading the Poem

The role of reading the poem is to help the reader understand the poet’s mind, analyze the poem and draw conclusions from what he or she learns from the verse. The reader will face a lot of difficulties since it may not be easy comprehending the content. Like the confessions by Augustine, the comedy is challenging in many ways. For instance, in the gates of Hell, the reader is made to understand that there are many hurdles before one eventually gets to hell. He has to close River Acheron. This is a dramatic representation of transitional idea and increments through which one’s soul will reach the final binary which is the choice of sin.

Dante’s Choice of Virgil as a Guide

Dante realizes that for him to successfully finish his journey to the afterlife he needs a helper, and therefore he chooses Virgil who happens to be his role model and the greatest hero. According to the poem, Virgil also happens to be a great itinerary to the divine comedy. He is also a perfect guide for Dante because he is of strong sound character who can protect him throughout the journey. He also sets an excellent example to Dante both as a character and a real person on why it is valuable to believe in God since as shown without that think Dante would have ended up in Limbo longing for Salvation. That is why Dante chooses to treat Virgil with respect and trust and consider him as his hero.

The Poem: Inferno’s Basis in Religion and Philosophy

The poem- Inferno has no basis in the Bible. Dante uses a particular doctrine and maintains Christianity, and philosophy in religion as the major themes he creates imaginations throughout the poem. He, however, uses valid religious arguments and is strict on doctrines, but at the same time, he never discusses them in his poetry. Dante goes ahead to create image descriptions that can only exist in one’s mind. Dante mainly talks about the afterlife and the immortality subject, and he does so use original stories. For instance, he says ’Midway on our life’s journey; I found myself I dark woods, the right road lost’ this description is used, but the choice of words in ’journey’ and ’right road’ could have some spiritual meaning in his future adventures. The use of dark woods also creates imagery.

The Significance of Dreams in the Poem

The pilgrim in the poem has several dreams which are very important. He first dreams in Purgatorio 9 where he is in a transitional moment from the ante- purgatory to the Purgatory proper gate. He dreams of being swept away to heaven by a frightening eagle. In Purgatorio 19 the pilgrim has a second dream where he has finally arrived at the transition. He dreams for the final time where he transitions from purgatory to the Garden of Eden. These dreams are very useful as they help the reader understand clearly the life journey of the pilgrim from the start to the end. They also support the poet in creating imagery for the reader and also improve more on the theme of the life journey in which the reader is taken through. In the poem, they are also used as stylistic devices.

Vigil’s Speeches and Their Impact

Virgil has had several speeches in the poem. He speaks with Dante many a time to tell and explain to him different things. He also quotes Beatrice saying that there exists a gentle lady in heaven one who is weeping in distress. In his speech, Virgil displays a high aspect of love, patience, kindness, and endurance (Arts). The expression also helps discuss and show how Dante is one who is chosen and have an opportunity to taste hell while alive. His speech is beneficial as it lures the pilgrim into certain believes and actions. It also helps Dante earn trust in him since he is his tour guide. Virgil employs several styles in his speech such as metaphors, a figurative language which is useful as his listener can understand him.

’The Inferno’ as a Religious Allegory

The inferno is a real religious allegory. Dante, the poet, has a journey which is very spiritual and takes him through several stages. Through this journey, he encounters many people who have faced the inferno for their sins. Some are sympathetically symbolized than others. Paolo and Francesca are punished for adultery yet they love each other. In all crimes, it is clear that humanity is being punished for turning away from God. Through this allegory, the poet tries to warn his readers of what will happen to them in hell if they don’t reconsider their ways and actions.

Differences between Hell and Purgatorio

According to the poem, there are numerous differences between hell and Purgatorio. These differences can be noticed regarding the atmospheres, light and darkness, and attitudes. In hell, men are in great suffering. They are being consumed by fiery furnaces for their sins. There is no form of happiness whereas in Purgatory there is some hope. In hell, there is total darkness whereas in Purgatory there is some light.

Styles Employed in the Inferno

Dante has employed very many styles in the Inferno. For instance, he has applied symbolism. He uses an analogy to help him describe ideas to his readers. The poem also employs direct address. There are very many instances where Virgil is shown to be directly communicating with Dante. Meter is also applied in verse. The lines are of similar length and carry an almost identical number of words. Dante has also employed rhythm since his poem flows rhythmically and one can easily follow it and understand the concept.

Works Cited

Arts, E. “Dante’s Inferno.”2018, www.ea.com/games/dantes-inferno. Accessed 29 Nov. 2018.

“Visualizing Dante’s Hell: See Maps & Drawings of Dante’s Inferno from the Renaissance through Today.”www.openculture.com/2018/06/visualizing-dantes-hell.html. Accessed 29 Nov. 2018.