Dante
In Dante Alighieri’s The Inferno (1314), Dante is being toured through the layers of hell in hopes that he will see his future punishment and get his life back on the right path. The great Roman poet, Virgil, is sent to be his guide. Virgil is not only supportive but informational as he leads Dante through the layers of hell.
Throughout the story, Virgil is repeatedly protecting Dante from hostile demons and monsters. Monstrous Charon, in cantos III is bringing the souls over the river to punishment. When Charon refuses to let Dante cross the river because he is human, Virgil steps in: “And my guide to him: ‘Charon, Bite back your spleen: this has been willed where what is willed must be, and is not yours to ask what it may mean” (21.91-93). As Virgil informs Charon that their journey has been ordered from up high, Charon no longer bothers them. Virgil is supporting Dante throughout this journey, helping him get through.
Virgil not only shows Dante the physical route through Hell but also reinforces its moral lessons. He was sent to lead Dante from error and is instructing him of what will happen if he continues his ways. Throughout each layer of hell, Virgil is showing Dante the different punishments, and what could be upon him. He is being a “teacher” while Dante is learning from him.
Overall, throughout The Inferno, Virgil is not only a great teacher for Dante, but he is also encouraging throughout every canto. Helping him through tough situations, get past demons and over rivers. With Virgil being so supportive and informative to Dante, I think in the end, Virgil will complete his task and lead Dante away from error, because he will be well informed of the punishments he could endure thanks to Virgil.
Throughout the story, Virgil is repeatedly protecting Dante from hostile demons and monsters. Monstrous Charon, in cantos III is bringing the souls over the river to punishment. When Charon refuses to let Dante cross the river because he is human, Virgil steps in: “And my guide to him: ‘Charon, Bite back your spleen: this has been willed where what is willed must be, and is not yours to ask what it may mean” (21.91-93). As Virgil informs Charon that their journey has been ordered from up high, Charon no longer bothers them. Virgil is supporting Dante throughout this journey, helping him get through.
Virgil not only shows Dante the physical route through Hell but also reinforces its moral lessons. He was sent to lead Dante from error and is instructing him of what will happen if he continues his ways. Throughout each layer of hell, Virgil is showing Dante the different punishments, and what could be upon him. He is being a “teacher” while Dante is learning from him.
Overall, throughout The Inferno, Virgil is not only a great teacher for Dante, but he is also encouraging throughout every canto. Helping him through tough situations, get past demons and over rivers. With Virgil being so supportive and informative to Dante, I think in the end, Virgil will complete his task and lead Dante away from error, because he will be well informed of the punishments he could endure thanks to Virgil.