Essay on Dante’s Inferno
The purpose of this essay is to discuss the relevance of Dante’s Inferno / Hell to the contemporary reader in the Western world. This essay will demonstrate that there are many issues discussed in Dante’s The Divine Comedy that are as relevant today as they were when Dante first wrote his comedy. Although the views discussed are not common to everyone, it will be shown that such views are still apparent in contemporary society and therefore are relevant to the contemporary reader. It will be shown that even today, many people undertake a journey such as the one Dante describes. It will also be shown that many of the sins that were considered worthy of hell in Dante’s time are still considered by some people to be sins today.
The relevance of Dante’s hell to contemporary society in the western world could be said to be visible from the very first Canto. Here Dante is lost and unable to find his way back to the right road. “Midway this way of life we’re bound upon, I wake to find myself in a dark wood”. This could be said to be a representation of the psychological torment of many people who become depressed or unsure of their place in life. Many people are forced to go on a journey within themselves in order face and overcome the fears and dark thoughts that are affecting their lives. To many it is a journey of self-discovery, not always a pleasant one. Often it is difficult for someone to leave the dark underworld within themselves and they can be pushed back again and again “Back to that place wherein the sun is mute”. Dante was forced to go through the circles of hell and face all the horrors so that he could safely leave the dark wood. Dante was fortunate in that he had Virgil to guide him on his way. Many do not have the good fortune to have such a guide to help them during their darkest hours. For some the journey through darkness and despair must be faced and endured alone. Dante’s journey is one in which he faced and described what he perceived to be the sins of the world. Read more…