The symbolism of the wood in the opening canto’s of Dante’s Inferno is crucially important for how one understands the overall meaning of the poem. The exact nature of this symbolism is not immediately clear, however. In terms of the narrative, the wood could refer to an actual location in...

The Inferno by Dante Alighieri, known throughout history a Dante, represents an allegorical aspect of the individual’s existence in hell. While the poem is quite long and can be considered in numerous ways, much of it is an allegory with regards to Dante’s life and his person struggles. The poem...

In 1265, Dante Alighieri was born in Florence, Italy, to a family heavily involved in politics. From an early age, Dante was educated in philosophy and languages, which would give him a solid basis for his future works. When Dante was just nine years old, he fell in love with...

In Inferno 1 of his Comedy, Dante narrates how he once lost his way in a dark wood, which was “savage, dense, and harsh” and how three beasts, a leopard, a lion, and a she-wolf, menace him in his efforts to get quicker to the sunlight. Dante is rescued by...

The Inferno is the most famous section of the Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri, commonly referred to as Dante. It is a 14th Century epic poem that describes Dante’s descent into hell; the great poet, Virgil, acts as his guide. Through the poem, Dante experiences the nine circles, or levels...