Dante's Inferno

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The Divine Comedy is an exquisite example of the temple pattern found in many cultures throughout the world. Dante Alighieri, although raised Catholic in a Catholic society teaches this pattern so masterfully that men’s spirits recognize the truths found in the pages, and it has become a classic piece of literature that has stood throughout the ages. Through his cantos, audiences can find each of the elements of the temple pattern including the initial instruction, administration of symbols, which shows that God will never leave in times of trouble, and the final judgment. As his journey begins, Dante finds himself lost in the woods, not understanding how he arrived in the location or where he is to go; he tries to escape the beasts he encounters…show more content…
As the two men progress, they are Dante is introduced to a multitude of people, all of whom are unfit to have received the opportunity to pass through purgatory into paradise. Confused at what he is seeing, Dante asks questions helping him to understand what sins have caused men to receive punishments in hell. Virgil not only answers his questions, but also protects Dante from those who are watching over the wicked souls such as Medusa, Charon and the centaurs. He also gives needed instruction and enlightenment, such as in cantos seven when he instructs Dante regarding why men are hurling rocks at each other, or forced to participate in full body fisticuffs. Each time Virgil instructs, Dante learns what all must do to avoid becoming an unrepentant sinner, punished eternally in…show more content…
Dante begins his journey through purgatory, and meets Cato who instructs him that before he can start on his journey through purgatory he must be clean. After, Dante continues his journey with Virgil as his guide until they reach Peter’s gate. Dante is then marked with seven “P” on his forehead representing the seven deadly sins. Only through God’s help and grace, can Dante remove each of these and continue on his journey to paradise. Dante learns the importance of divine characteristic such as humility and meekness, and when he understands, angels remove a “P” from his forehead. Dante and Virgil continue learning about the importance of prayer as well as work for the dead. Through God’s help and Virgil’s instruction, Dante is able to progress to the point that he has been cleansed from all of the cardinal sins, and is ready to partake in paradise. Finally, Virgil can go no further with Dante, crowns him because he has learned to master himself, and returns to his place in

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