ABANDON ALL HOPE, YOU WHO ENTER HERE.
-Canto III (7)
Dante's Inferno is an epic journey, in which Dante explores a realm of unknown in order to learn more about human nature and the forever controversial afterlife. A staple feature of human nature is the inner battle of whether or not to believe there is a God, a heaven, and of course a hell. For some, such a belief comes naturally, but even so, one cannot be truly sure of what lies ahead for them in the afterlife. Dante's Inferno offers a vivid and intense description of what hell is like, and what life (or lack of life) is like for those that are doomed to remain there for eternity. Dante provides a much anticipated answer or even just a possible answer for those living in the 1300s and those living in the 21st century.
Dante uses dramatic imagery and disturbing situations to provide readers with an illustration of hell, something which all fear, partly for the unknown factor and partly for the known factor. To imagine oneself in such a situation is distressing, and yet irresistible. Reading The Inferno, one starts to question if he or she has committed the acts which would land one in hell--from hypocrisy to lying, each has a place in eternal hell-fire. The alarming and intense images Dante reveals, instill fear in readers, but also create a sense of curiosity: Where will I end up? Is it too late to change?
The sighs, groans and laments at first were so loud,Resounding through starless air, I began to weep:
Strange languages, horrible screams, words imbued
With rage or despair, cries as of troubled sleep
Or of a tortured shrillness--they rose in a coil
Of tumult, along with noises like a slap
Of beating hands, all fused in a ceaseless flail
That churns and frenzies that dark and timeless air
Like sand in a whirlwind. And I, my head in a swirl
-Canto III (19-27)
As Dante describes his journey through hell, he opens up reader's imaginations. He explores human nature and all its flaws, a common element in such great works of literature as Homer's The Odyssey and Virgil's The Aeneid. A focus of people throughout history has been that of a divine power, so Dante's exploration of such an existence has captured the imagination and curiosity of many for centuries.
Dante's Inferno contains so much symbolism which people continue to explore. What is the meaning behind each line Dante so carefully crafts? His skill and artistry has been admired for years, and will continue to be studied for years to come. Every person who reads Dante's Inferno has a unique experience based on his or her own personal life. Everyone looks at hell in a different way. A person who has devoted themselves to serving God, and a person who lives life dishonestly will look at Dante's Inferno in a different light. For this reason, the meaning behind Dante's Inferno has been debated by many.
Human nature also has a natural attraction to the epic hero. Dante serves as a man for whom people may cheer and admire. His journey through hell is anything but easy, and readers may respect the bravery and endurance which Dante displays. Many would turn around and run away from the ferocious devils, and screaming souls burning, or being torn apart, but Dante continues on his honorably journey.
Dante's Inferno is considered one of the greatest works of literature for its stark portrayal of hell and for the shear craftsmanship Dante uses to create a dramatic and sensational work of art. For years to come people will debate and admire Dante's Inferno for its intense imagery, and thought provoking plot.
Some of the beautiful things that Heaven bears,Where we come forth, and once more saw the stars.
-Canto XXXIV (139-140)
No comments:
Post a Comment