A groundbreaking bilingual edition of Dante's masterpiece that includes a substantive Introduction, extensive notes, and appendixes that reproduce Dante's key sources and influences. Of the great poets, Dante is one of the most elusive and therefore one of the most difficult to adequately render into English verse.
Inferno is the first part of The Divine Comedy, written by Dante Alighieri in the early 14th century. It is one of the most important works of world literature and a cornerstone of Italian literature. The poem is an epic allegory that tells the story of Dante's journey through Hell, guided by the Roman poet Virgil. Inferno is rich with themes of sin, justice, and divine retribution, and it explores the moral, religious, and philosophical concerns of the medieval period.
The narrative begins with Dante, the protagonist, finding himself lost in a dark forest, symbolizing sin and confusion. He is unable to find the right path and is confronted by three beasts that represent different vices: a leopard (lust), a lion (pride), and a wolf (greed). Dante’s despair leads him to call out for help, and he is then guided by the spirit of Virgil, who has been sent by Beatrice, Dante's beloved, to help him on his journey.
Together, they descend into the nine circles of Hell, each representing a different sin and its corresponding punishment. The sinners in Hell are subjected to punishments that reflect the nature of their crimes, and each circle is populated by various historical and mythological figures. Some of the notable individuals Dante encounters include famous figures from history, classical mythology, and his own time, many of whom are depicted in ways that reflect their moral failings or the consequences of their actions.
Published on by eBooks
Categories: Fiction Poetry Theology Literature Classics