Dante's Use Of Biblical Allusions In Dantes Inferno

Delaney Sullivan

Ms. Jonte

AP Language

06 February 2023

Biblical Allusions

An allusion is a reference to a person, place, thing, attribute, or event known to the reader which conveys characteristics or events in the reader’s mind. Examples would be “donuts are my kryptonite” referencing the destructive power of kryptonite on the character Superman or “he’s a regular Benedict Arnold” referencing the notorious American Revolutionary War traitor. The use of biblical allusions enabled Alighieri to use not only his words to convey the attributes and past actions of his characters but also the reader’s own knowledge, opinions, and judgments just by referencing them. The characters Dante encounters through his travels through Hell were commonly

This is a testament to the continuing relevance and pertinence of the Bible. Through the author’s choices of biblical references throughout The Inferno, the reader is able to find familiarity within the text and establish the overarching theme that one must confront evil before reaching paradise.

In Inferno, Alighieri mentions fallen angels who committed their betrayal against God and are facing their punishment in Hell. These are the angels who sided with Satan and are facing the consequences of their own actions, that will result in forever banishment from heaven. In Canto I, Virgil says, “there you shall see the ancient spirits tried in endless pain, and hear their lamentation as each bemoans the second death of souls.” This reference to the second death refers to after Judgement Day, when people receive their true,

Both men had the opportunity to repent of their sins of betrayal and to seek forgiveness from Jesus but chose evil instead. Judas Iscariot betrays Jesus with a kiss and later, committed suicide, but because his betrayal is so significant to the metanarrative of the Bible, he is placed in the pit of Hell. Judas is eternally eaten by one side of Satan’s head which is significant because he is never able to speak again because that is how he betrayed Christ. Additionally, Satan is never able to speak again, because that is how he tempted Judas. Even after Judas’s harmful betrayal he is still capable and worthy of grace from Jesus, Jesus calls Judas “friend” in the Garden of Gethsemane and is opening loving arms (Matthew 26:50). However, Judas’s hardened heart and suicide reaffirms his refusal to accept his sin, and therefore is punished with his contrapasso for all of eternity. Caiaphas was a counselor of Pharisee’s and sought the persecution and ultimately crucifixion of Jesus. Caiaphas’s punishment is similar to a twisted crucifixion where he is nailed to the ground with three large stakes and walked on by other hypocrites in Bolgia six. Caiaphas being placed with other hypocrites carried weight because he is being tortured by those who also sinned against God, but instead of correcting themselves, called out the sin in others. Therefore