WEEK 13: Inferno; Canto 1-8

In Dante’s the inferno, we noticed how there are some biblical comparisons throughout the cantos. In Canto l, we are introduced to Dante wondering alone in a dark forest, which might be a comparison to the path he went through when he was exiled, “Midway on our life’s journey, I found myself In dark woods, the right road lost”, (lines 1-2), comparing it to what he was passing through mentally and on his life. Dante encounters the great Roman poet, Virgil, portrayed as a spirit or shade.  Dante goes on traveling his journey to heaven with the help and guidance of ancient gods and goddesses and poetry. In Canto ll, Virgil leads Dante to the gate of hell. In Canto V, where the sinners confess their sins to the Minos. Its striking how Dante describes this dark place, where rain flows abundantly, and these gusty winds tear the air. And the souls of the damned swirl in the wind, helplessly through the stormy air.

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