Introduction
Since the 14th century, Dante Alighieri's La Comedia, also known as The Divine Comedy, has had a profound impact on western writing. The first canticle of the comedy, Inferno, has received the most notice from readers and critics over time. People now frequently refer to the farce as The Inferno. Why people, particularly writers, have always gravitated toward inferno more than the Divine Comedy as a whole will be clarified through an analysis of theme and symbol. Dante's Comedy is a perfect manifestation of locus amoenus an imaginary place and success of a poet throughout the political and spiritual exile. The text asserts objective impersonality of God's justice and infinite wisdom.
The Symbolism of Inferno
In The Inferno, Dante uses endless symbolism to pose deeper meaning to his adventurous journey through hell. Every aspect of the book contains the symbolic meaning. It is impossible to make a short list of important symbols to reduce the iconic complexity of inferno. But many of the symbols in inferno can easily be interpreted. The symbols are apparent in punishments that Dante sets up from an authoritative God to sinners.
Punishments and Symbolism
The punishment fits perfectly for the specific sin. Throughout the book, there are many other prominent instances of symbolism including many settings in which the book takes place. For example, the lustful humans, who were driven by passion fueled by lust, are now doomed to be blown about by eternal devastating storm.
Allegory and Symbolism
The poem is full of allegory which uses symbols which ranges from the subtle to major symbolic representation. The entire story of the Divine comedy itself is the spiritual journey of human life. Some symbols of Inferno are much more nuanced and difficult to recognize such as three beasts that stop the path of Dante from the path up to the mountain in Canto I. While reading Inferno it is sometimes difficult to take each element of the poem in consideration that how it fit in Dante's allegory as well.
Figure Symbolism
An important symbol Dante uses in The Inferno is figures represent the human qualities, Virgil and Beatrice. Beatrice is the symbol of spiritual love and Virgil is the representative of reason. Dante's emotions are represented through the dark forest which demonstrates Dante's fear and confusion. Figures in hell also symbolize something more than the sins such as Farinata who characterizes leadership qualities and political dedication which surpass his character in hell.
Animal Symbolism
Animal imagery emulates the negative connotation in Canto I according to Christian philosophy. Referring the three wild animals Dante represents to the main vices. Panther represents sensuality, Lion represents pride and she-wolf represents greed. In pre-Christian tradition, the animal symbolism has a positive and powerful force, intrinsic to human nature. In those cultures, the animal traits are honorable and desirable in humans in a complementary manner.
Circles of Hell
There are eight circles of hell represent the imaginative taxonomy of human evil. In the first circle virtuous pagans reside who are neither sinner nor good doer. Neither Heaven claims them no does the Hell. Though they are not punished theirs grieves is the separation from God. The gluttonous reside in the valley of muck. It is in the third circle they await the terrifying jaws of Cerberus. Gluttons are the person who overindulges in their desire for finances, food or hospitality. They are punished by the endless rainfall and Cerberus. The symbolic reckoning is that the glutton's endless indulgence during their time on earth leads them to eternal wrath of God:
"I saw a banner there upon the mist.
Circling and circling, it seemed to scorn all pause.
So it ran on, and still behind it pressed.
a never-ending rout of souls in pain.
I had not thought death had undone so many
as passed before me in that mournful train."(Inferno, III, 49-54).
Irony and Metaphors
The sinner suffers for the degree of his sin. Thus, Dante's use of ironical metaphors in Inferno openly allows the reader to relish in the misery of eternally punished souls. This represents the sense of balance which almost echoes Hammurabi's ideology "eye for an eye". Initially, a very compassionate relationship Dante shares with those he encounters in hell. A great sympathy for sinners builds up in him. However, in further travel less pity he feels for the souls that relate him to God's equal judgment in terms of severity of punishment sinners get.
Connections to Greek and Roman Mythology
As much as Dante refers Christian morality he also refers back to Greek and Roman mythology. It is very interesting how Dante includes ancient and mythological creatures in Christian Hell. He includes the beasts from Minos and Centaurs to Ulysses as well the places such as river Styx and Acheron.
Political and Religious Agenda
A major part of Inferno was unquestionably written on a large scale observation of the political dreadful settings of 14th century Florence, where Dante had been exiled from. The poet makes such assertions in many ways. He ruthlessly scattered the political figures he disagreed and depicts the action of inferno a few years before as if the events had already happened by the time of writing. Such predictions are uttered through the signs of the damned, desecrated to death by prophetic powers.
Conclusion
Concepts such as Hell, Heaven, Death Afterlife, Final judgment have always been a common phenomenal topic to relate not only to platonic level but also very intimately. These concepts and ideas have fueled many writers in many different ways. In Inferno, Dante seems to have his own agenda for his poem takes the stories as a central part of its project where the poet repeatedly reinforces the perfection of divine justice.
The Allegorical Journey
The allegorical journey of Dante stands for the larger idea throughout the text. In the beginning, in Canto, I Dante strayed from the right path. His journey with Virgil is more of a physical journey to heaven, an allegorical journey towards God away from sin. Dante's larger moral messages depict the suitability of God's punishment. The notion of balance of justice emerges as impersonal, objective and mechanical.
Political and Religious Elements
Dante pursues some political and religious agenda most significant part of it is the tumulus political environment of the 14th century of Florence. The personal political belief such as church should stand as a separate but with equal power on earth was represented throughout the text. After all, this epic poem requires more than one lens to read its numerous themes, symbols, literary devices. It must be read literary, morally, allegorically and analogically.
Works Cited
Alighieri, Dante. "The Inferno [Excerpt]." Academic Medicine, vol. 80, no. 6, 2005, p. 558.
Alighieri, Dante. Works of Dante Alighieri. Mobilereference.Com, 2010,.
"Dante’S Inferno: Themes & Symbols and their Attraction to Modern Poets." Afellonamedcello, 2017, afellonamedcello.wordpress.com/2013/12/03/dantes-inferno-themes-symbols-and-their-attraction-to-modern-poets/ Accessed 18 Dec 2017.
Havely, Nick. "Review: The Inferno of Dante Alighieri: The Inferno of Dante Alighieri." The Cambridge Quarterly, vol 32, no. 4, 2003, pp. 373-376.
