Kelvin Shang9/10/2014

Representations of Hell in Literature

In Dantes Inferno by Dante the Poet, the differences between Dante and Virgil in Canto I and Dante and Brunetto Latini in Canto XV are evident, however, the similarities are quite salient. Both are souls who dwell in the underworld and have had some influence in Dantes journey in life. These dynamic characters offer advice to assist Dante to join the divine in Heaven. Virgil and Brunetto Latini are both poets who have offered their aid to Dante in his journey to the blessed even though they both reside in hell. Virgil resides just at the edge of Hell in Limbo because he was Pagan but not a sinner while Latini was a sodomite. Dante praises and respects both poets quite dearly and asks for their aid. As seen when Dante says to Virgil, O light and honor of the other poets, may my long years of study, and that deep love that made me search your verses, help me now! (lines 19-21), and when Latini gives his advice to him, Dante expresses his gratitude with, My mind is etched (and now my heart pierced) with your kind image, loving and paternal, when, living in the world, hour after hour, you taught me how man makes himself eternal. And while I live, my tongue shall always speak of my debt to you. (lines 46-51). Through his gratitude towards Latini, we can see how Dante valued Latinis guardianship and mentoring. This gratitude is also seen with Virgil as Dante suggests that he was inspired by Virgils work. In a sense, Dante can be seen superior to both Virgil and Latini because he is on a quest to overcome his sins in order to be accepted into Heaven while both Virgil and Latini have no chance to reach Heaven. In both Cantos, there is a mention of a worthier spirit who is known as Beatrice, whom Dante saw as a savior and was in love with. Beatrice is noted as the only spirit who can aid Dante if he wishes to make the climb to join the blessed in Heaven. She is first mentioned when Virgil says, to whom, if you wish to make the climb, a spirit worthier than I, must take you; I shall go back, leaving you in her care. (lines 43-45). Virgil states that she is a mightier spirit because he resides in Limbo while Beatrice resides with the blessed in Heaven. Therefore, she is the only soul who can guide him all the way to Heaven. In Canto XV, another mention of Beatrice is noted when Dante says to Latini, I will write down what you tell me of my future and save it, with another text, to show a lady who can interpret, if I can reach her. (lines 52-54). This suggests that Dante believes that he will see Beatrice again, who will be able to guide him. Both Cantos successfully portray Beatrice as a holy soul with the power to aid Dante to Heaven as opposed to the two imperfect teachers. The relationship between Dante and Virgil in Canto I and Dante and Brunetto Latini in Canto XV, hold many similarities to each other. Both are souls that are trapped in the underworld but have given their support and help to Dante at some point in his life. Dante regards them as his mentors who can guide him on the path towards Heaven and Beatrice.