Voice Of Reason In Dante's Inferno

Beatrice sends Virgil to Dante’s aid in the dark woods, by telling him to utilize his “ornamented speech and whatever else is needed” to help Dante escape (Inferno, 2:67-68). Though a pagan, Virgil lived a virtuous life and is therefore able to guide Dante through Inferno and Purgatorio. Aside from being represented as a guide and teacher, Virgil is represented as the voice of reason in a world full of sin. Throughout the Inferno, Dante puts a distinctive emphasis on sinners who did not utilize their power to reason and thus Virgil’s wisdom stands contrary to all those sinners. Virgil’s presentation as voice of reason is often allegorical, meaning that he represents voice of reason in the form of an extended metaphor. However, there are times when

This is further illustrated when the three furies attempt to stop the pair’s entry to the city of Dis. An angel descends from heaven to come help them (Inferno, 9). Additionally, Dante the poet’s clearly puts human reason before passion and sympathy. When at fourth bolgia of the eighth circle, Dante weeps for the diviners, but Virgil immediately calls him out, “Are you still one of the other fools?” (Inferno, 20: 26-27). Virgil then persuades Dante, explaining why the sinners are worthy of the corresponding punishments. By the time the two reach eight bolgia, Dante has toughened up and even criticizes Ulysses for following passion to travel rather than reason to take care of his family (Inferno, 26). Lastly, Dante the poet illustrates how human reason is vulnerable to deception. At the fifth bolgia of the eighth circle, Dante and Virgil face the Malebranche or “Evil Claws.” The leader, Malacoda or “Evil Tail” intentionally deceives the two and even Virgil, though human reason, believes Malacoda, showcasing the vulnerability of human reason (Inferno,