Dante 's Inferno Analysis Dante 's Inferno is just one of three parts of an epic poem, written by Italian politician Dante Alighieri, known as The Divine Comedy. The Divine Comedy 's three parts are known as Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradisio. In short, this poem describes Dante 's journey through Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven. This was written in the fourteenth century in Florence during an era of extreme political corruption. Not surprisingly then does Dante put his enemies, corrupt politicians, in Hell. Inferno begins by following Dante as he falls from his path of moral truth. Sin has obstructed his path to God. We never know what type of sin Dante has committed, this is not important, he has simply strayed from the straight path. Because the hero of the Inferno is also the writer, we have to look at both aspects of him, Dante the author and Dante the character. Dante the character, well to be blunt, he is a bit of a weenie. Granted, going through Hell is no walk in the park but within the first six cantos he has already passed out twice and has burst into tears too many times to count! Dante 's got heart. One of his best attributes is empathy but his guide Virgil helps toughen him up as they move along. In fact, Dante toughens up pretty quickly as he rages against Filippo , argues with Farinata , and rants at Pope Nicholas III. After each round of righteous indignation, Virgil claps Dante on the back and congratulates him for putting yet another sinner in his place.