Jeremy Dinda Mr. Crawford Western Civilization 13 October 2014 Dante’s: Inferno A place where ice and fire meet, and sins are punished; Dante’s Inferno is an example of a comedy that brings together deep imagery and symbolism. Both literary techniques helps portray the idea of God’s justice. Dante intended to write Inferno to be used as a propaganda response for the struggle between the church and state within Florence. However, the real reason Dante wrote Inferno was to please himself in revenge towards his personal enemies. Before Dante’s time, Florence was under much stress, between the church and state, for power. This caused the city to split into two parties. One side would be known as the Guelphs, who supported the papacy. The other …show more content…
Dante, oddly enough had been sent on a diplomatic mission to the pope in Rome when he was deeply involved with the white faction. At the same time, the Black faction was in the process of seizing power over Florence. When Dante had returned from Rome to Florence, the Blacks had successfully taken over. Dante had returned to find himself confronted with the Black faction. After confiscated all his belongings and works, the Black faction had made it clear to Dante to never return to the city or face being burned at the stake. Unable to ever go back, Dante had left in search of a new home. Eventually, Dante had become dependent on the noble patrons as he moved from city to city. Not only did Dante wish for a new emperor to reclaim Florence, but he had become angry and sought revenge for what had become of him. Within a few years, Dante’s wish had been answered with Henry VII, and the power once again had returned to the White faction. However, Henry VII had died years later, losing power of Florence. This tragedy had prompted Dante to write and finish his comedies, of which included Inferno. His views towards the papacy would be and had been expressed through his writings. This way, Dante could present his revenge on paper rather than physically against the