The Role Of Virgil In The Inferno And Purgatorio And Italian Literature

Virgil played major roles in the context of Inferno and Purgatorio. Virgil is a wise man. He is often seen guiding a hero or heroine through various journeys. Virgil seems to be a very helpful man.

During the various trips with the heroine, Virgil would help them seek for their treasures. In Inferno, Dante reveres Virgil deeply. By that means, he knows most of his Aeneid by Heart, and learned how to write much poetry. Virgil is a leader. His role as a leader has lead Dante to his accomplishments. Virgil is a very trustworthy individual. For example, in Inferno, Virgil has to be inspired by Beatrice to approach Dante in the Dark Wood, and St. Lucy and the Virgin Mary are reaching out to him in love through Virgil in order to get the strength to face the evils.

Furthermore, Virgil encourages Dante to continue even he was lost in pity for the damned or turned back by the evil demons. Virgil soon rescues Dante, and exhorting him to overcome his fear and bringing him to safety.

In Inferno, Virgil can be seen as a conscience for Dante. For example, in Canto 23, Virgil is the only individual to save Dante from the demons. Also, in Canto 30, Virgil approaches Dante for listening to the quarreling of the damned and speaks of always being with him. Virgil contributes all the wisdom to that of Dante’s point of view.

In Purgatorio, Virgil once again serves as a guide. Dante had entered Purgatory, from there; Virgil guided Dante through the seven terraces of Purgatory. Purgatory symbolizes deadly sins.

In Purgatorio 2, Virgil instructs Dante to kneel and fold his hands because it is an angel that guides the boat and propels it with its wings. Soon the spirits begin to appear, and began to ask questions. Virgil explains, ho that they are just new arrivals. Soon the spirits had disappeared after a song was sung. As you can see, Virgil’s elder role contributes to his leadership.

In Purgatorio 3, after Dante suffers a moment of fear from his shadow, Virgil explains that he only has a shadow only if he is alive. Virgil also states that this is one of God’s mysteries and is beyond human thinking. In Purgatorio 4, a similar scenario occurred. After resting from a long climb, Dante wonders about the position of the sun. Virgil explains that Purgatory stands on the opposite of hemisphere from Jerusalem and scientist believe that the world contains only one hemisphere.

As a spirit, Virgil suffers no pain from Purgatory. But, Virgil is to make plans for him to cross dangerous rivers, chasms, and walls, because Dante retains his physical form. After all, Dante is safe from these obstacles. The fact that Dante is alive angers many spirits. Virgil serves as the protector as he warns Dante of the flaws that their journey was predestined in Heaven. The Divine Comedy