Serpents And Sins: Punishment, Piety, And Vigilance In Dante’s “Inferno”
<p>What is the true nature of punishment? How do we contend with the reality of evil? Can humanity find redemption amidst its horrors?</p>
<p>Dante Alighieri's “Inferno” is the first part of the epic poem “The Divine Comedy,” written in the early 14th century.</p>
<p>Dante was one of the most influential literary minds in history, and his epic poem is a masterpiece of psychoanalytic insight.</p>
<p>The story begins with Dante lost in a dark woods. In his despair, he is visited by the ancient Roman poet, Virgil. Virgil explains that Dante has been chosen to undertake a divine journey, where he will gain insight into his own life and the nature of sin and salvation.</p>
<p>In order to complete his spiritual quest to reach paradise, he will first have to venture through Hell.</p>
<p>We accompany Dante as Virgil guides him through the 9 circles of the Inferno. Along the way, Dante meets various historical and mythical figures of the past and provides commentary on their moral failings.</p>
<p>The poem is a symbolic and psychological exploration of sin, punishment, and redemption. Each circle represents a different sin and its contrapasso, or counter-punishment.</p>
<p>Below I explore 3 important lessons from the poem that are developed further in <em>“The Great Courses — Why Evil Exists” </em>by Professor Charles Mathewes.</p>
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