Examples Of Allegory In Dante's Inferno

What of the Soul?
(An Essay on the Allegorical Nature of Dante’s Inferno)

The souls of the damned scream from the pages of Dante Alighieri’s The Inferno almost seven-hundred years after its publication. What makes The Inferno such a compelling and thought provoking classic? Leigh Smith Remarks, “One of the most omniscient precursors in the Western canon is Dante’s Inferno.” The Inferno is an allegory which enables scholars to find added meaning and depth in every page. Every line in Dante’s poem could possibly be a metaphor or symbol waiting to be discovered. Dante’s Inferno is an effective allegory because the characters are embodiments of moral traits; the actions of the main character represent a metaphorical awakening; and the penultimate

The first time Virgil is introduced, he explains that he will be Dante’s guide through hell. In Canto I he says, “I will be your guide and lead you forth through an eternal place.” Virgil is the physical embodiment of human reason. Dante turns his characters into metaphysical principles for important allegorical purposes. First, the journey from inferno to paradise is not only a physical, but also a spiritual journey. Likewise, all characters in the inferno are physical representations of a heavier spiritual side. Second, Dante realized the necessity to keep hell familiar instead of describing it in abstract concepts. In the depths of hell, the pagan characters receive punishment described in graphic terms. Magdalena Gilewicz explains the importance of allegory in The Inferno, “The treatment of allegories as texts that reduce abstract ideas to "picture-language" privileged personification as the major carrier of allegorical meaning.” For example, Francesca is a symbol of carnal desire. Dante includes her punishment in the comedy to provide his readers with the dark reality of Hell. All characters in The Inferno are embodiments of ideas to create an effective

Despite its grotesque insinuations, The Inferno also has important allegorical aspects. It is the story of a spiritual enlightenment; A man’s journey from despair into light. Not only that, but it has been an important part of Western Culture since its contrivance. Antonio Galati describes America’s infatuation with Dante, “Over the past ten years, Dante has experienced a resurgence that has been brought forth by the Commedia’s transposition into the theatrical, cinematographic, televisual, musical, and technological arts.” There are certain aspects of The Inferno that appear outdated, or inapplicable in a modern viewing. For instance, the fact that murderers seem to have more mercy than thieves should quickly be righted. There can be no worse sin than murder. Also, the circle of virtuous pagans seems unchristian and cruel. Virgil explains, “I am one of these. For such defects are we lost, though spared the fire and suffering hell in one affliction only: That without hope we live on in desire.” A person should not be held accountable for a knowledge they could have never obtained. Dante’s Inferno is an effective allegory because the characters are embodiments of moral traits; the actions of the main character represent a metaphorical awakening; and the penultimate result of the poem is to be a moral propaedeutic. The Inferno is still an important allegorical