Wednesday, November 6, 2019
Impressions of Dante
I have asked many people for their opinion of Dante's Inferno already but I just decided I'd blog about it because why not. Personally I like his self insert historical revenge fan fiction. But what do you guys think about it? Would you guys change anything about the story (language, rearrange sins, etc.)? Seriously I'm really bored so someone answer this blog post I'm literally throwing you guys a bone here.
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7 comments:
I’m not a fan of the way Dante portrays himself during his journey. Obviously, he is very full of himself; he indirectly alludes to the idea that he is as great as the legendary and historical poets who have lived before him. He does it in such a way to flatter himself without directly stating what he thinks he is worth. Also, I can’t quite understand levels of the sins Dante deems punishable. There are many things in my mind that I deem worse than fraud such as murder, anger, rathe and pride, which are all in the 10 commandments. More than anything, I feel that the worst punishable sin should be one that if in full disrespect to God himself: blasphemy of the holy spirit.
Personally, I am a fan of Dante’s character. He reminds me of a little kid on a journey discovering the new things in life. Although we know he is 35 years old, he doesn’t act his age. He is fascinated by the poets and philosophers, and gets invited into “The Dead Poet Society.” Him being invited into this group, reminds me of a little kid making friends and friend groups.
Although he can be very full of himself at times, I think he also shows signs of indirect humility. For example, his guide Virgil shows that he cannot proceed though the circles of Hell alone. Virgil as a guide shows that Dante depends on him. In addition, when Dante faints, the weakness of his character is portrayed. Fainting shows that Dante has faults within his character. Even though Dante may not admit to these weaknesses, these actions are symbolic that he is not “all powerful.”
If Dante really thought he was above everyone, he wouldn’t care about the people in each circle. However, he does! In each circle, he sees someone and is in awe. He admires them and wishes to talk to them. Dante does love himself, a lot, but this could also been seen as another “child-like trait.” When you are young, you might think you are best.
I mean we have to give it to Dante. He is going through the circles of Hell, and only faints a couple of times...
Although Dante certainly flatters himself a few too many times in Inferno, as he compares himself to the great classical poets and on occasion Jesus, his pride isn't completely lost on him. In Purgatorio, Dante journeys up Mt. Purgatory and he sees the level for those who are prideful, while there he contemplates how long he will have to spend there as he is quite proud. While Dante certainly seems to be crossing some lines, calling himself a great poet and comparing himself to Christ, he is aware of it. Which is something I guess...
I enjoy Dante's inferno. I like Dante's vivid depiction of hell and the creative punishments he comes up with for the many sinners. I feel some of the sins don't deserve such cruel punishments, the order he puts them in makes logical sense. I also enjoy the depictions of the inhabitants of hell and the monsters who guard certain points of it. I don't like how Dante writes himself as an amazing writer who is admired by Virgil and other historical writers. I also don't like how he puts all of his political enemies or people who disagree with him in hell as its very childish and petty.
The main reason I like the Divine Comedy is that it presents an very intriguing view on the Afterlife. The fact that I disagree with Dante about conceptions of Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven makes me want to read it more so that I can try and understand Dante's reasoning.
I really like Dante's Inferno so far, as it is almost like a sequel to John Milton's Paradise Lost, which we read last year. Paradise Lost, which concerns the Fall of Man and the expulsion of Adam and Eve from the garden of Eden, was heavily influenced by Dante. Reading Paradise Lost has really sparked an interest in me for reading Inferno, and so far the poem has not been a letdown. We have read about the different circles of Hell, and what, in Dante's opinion, each circle represents with regards to its residents and respective punishments. Further, with reference to the work as a whole, it is part of the larger epic poem, Divine Comedy, and as a comedy implies a happy or cheerful ending, I am curious to see what will happen to Dante later on in this epic.
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