Dante's Inferno

Sarah Scheidel
ENGL 2200

Thus far, I have found Dante's Inferno to be extremely captivating and interesting.  There are many parallels and lessons to be learned in this epic.  For starters, the Inferno contains numerous allusions; for instance, not only is the three-headed animal Cerberus found in the Inferno, but this creature is also found in Greek mythology. The three beasts, the lion, the leopard and the she-wolf, also have a biblical reference to the book of Jeremiah.  This entire epic parallels a theme still present in our world: the never-ending goal of humans to achieve a sound moral compass and be united with God in the afterlife.  Virgil leads Dante through the layers of Hell, then to Purgatory, attempting to reach Heaven.  It is interesting to read someone else's perspective on the afterlife whether it be Heaven or Hell. The imagery that is presented in the reading is the key factor that grasps my attention. The layers of Hell are absolutely disgusting, yet very well thought out. I have never pictured Hell to look like how it is depicted in the epic. The Inferno is extremely descriptive. It is also interesting to learn about the layers of Hell. Essentially, the represent the seven deadly sin.  Thus far, we have encountered Limbo, lust, gluttony, hoarding of money and possessions, and the wrathful layer.  Not only does this epic reference the church, but it also criticizes it.  The layer described as those who hoard money and value possessions is said to be populated by greedy popes, bishops and cardinals.  This layer is a direct reference to the problems that the Christian church encountered early on in its existence.  As a Christian, I even recognize the fact that my religion and church have had scummy, greedy, ruthless leaders.  The Inferno definitely sheds a light on the injustice that took place in the Christian church, and I acutally enjoy it.  It's not something to cover up and hide; it happened and needed to be corrected.