Relationship between Dante and Virgil
Dante’s Inferno Analysis
Introduction
There is an evolution in the relationship between Dante, who is a pilgrim, and the guide Virgil throughout Dante’s Inferno. In the analysis of the transformation in this relationship of the two as sojourns through the hell’s circles, Dante’s mindset can easily be learnt as a poet. From the onset of the presentation, Dante is seen to be holding very high esteem for Virgil, whom he considers as his genius in literary work and is ultimately subservient to. However, as this two continue in their relationship, Dante’s is enlightened spiritually through the facilitation of Virgil. At the end, Dante is seen to have ascended to the high spiritual level similar to that of Virgil and even surpassing Virgil in spirituality.
Virgil’s relationship with Dante
Virgil’s relationship with Dante is based on seeing him through the different levels in Hell. Virgil was to show Dante the consequences of him failing to change and come back to God in his life. From the onset, Dante had a lot of doubts regarding the expedition that he was on. The relationship with Virgil crops when he reveals to Dante that he had been sent by St. Lucy and Beatrice from heaven to give him guidance and protection.
The relationship through the Journey
Most of Dante’s inspiration came from Virgil. Throughout their relationship, Virgil turns out to play vital roles in the success and spiritual growth of Dante in all the levels through hell. For instance, Dante is metaphorically portrayed as a poet in the Purgatorio. This plays as a major shaper in the relationship between the two. Here, Dante leaves the cruel sea which is Hell and navigates, coursing towards the waters that are better. This metaphor appears familiar as Virgil had previously used it. The information about Virgil exists in two different aspects, one in literature form and the other in history of which he seems to be portrayed differently. More insight into the character of Virgil is acquired through the reading of his writings which is different from that presentation in the history books. Dante portrays the character of Virgil as being strong and brave and one who offers familiarity and comfort to him. This is the same manner in which Virgil is portrayed in the Aeneia. The relationship between Virgil and Dante is seen to be a strong one, especially considering that Dante values Virgil and treats him with much reverence and respect as a writer. This is the reason behind the presentation of most of Dante’s comedy in the style of Virgil. To Dante, Virgil is an important figure in his life and he looks up to him in a lot of ways. This relationship seems to evolve in the Purgatorio, where Dante does not regard Virgil just as a mere friend but has deep trust in him. This relationship between the two grows to an abnormal level and is close to being the relationship exhibited between a father and a son. This is so because Dante grows to have utter and complete trust in Virgil.
The Vestibule Hell
The relationship between Dante and Virgil is seen to be developing as they move through various circles in Hell. From the ‘vestibule’, Dante and Virgil head for the ferry to cross the over to the proper Hell across the Acheron River. Charon, who is piloting the ferry, insists that Dante should not enter the ferry on the basis that he is a living being. This forces Virgil to intervene and go to the line; ‘Vuolsi così colà dove si puote’ and which translates to the words ‘so it is wanted there where the power lies’. He used this to refer to the fact that Dante’s journey was headed to grounds that were divine. Once they cross to the other side, Dante is guided by Virgil through all the circles in Hell. This is how important Virgil was to Dante.
Virgil is seen to be guiding Dante through his journey in Hell. Their relationship is firmly based on the fact that every one of them has to fulfill his roles and fate through their journey therefore making it possible for us to be able to analyze the mindset of the two. Dante’s subservience to Virgil at the beginning is evident. This kind of regard that Dante holds shows the magnitude of respect and honor that he has toward Virgil and is further exhibited in the lines; “May my long study and the intense love that made me search your volume serve me now” Dante further goes ahead to say, “You are my master and my author, you-the only one from whom my writing drew the noble style for which I have been honored.” In this aspect, their relationship seems to be stronger and one built in mutual respect. (Dante & Mandelbaum, 1988. Pg. 122-125). It is easy to recognize the way the two refer to each other throughout their journey in Hell. Dante shows his regards to Virgil, who he views as his mentor, in various ways. Sometimes Dante calls Virgil, ‘Lord’, ‘Teacher’, ‘Master’, My guide’ or even ’sage’. Virgil is seen on many occasions to be referring to Dante as ‘son’. By this, it clearly maps the type of relationship that existed between the two as more of a father-son relationship.
Virgil’s role
Virgil’s importance is seen in another level. He is portrayed as an elder who is wise and employs the use of a lot of fairy tales and myths. These add up to guide the heroine and the heroes throughout the dangers in their journeys, thus, leading them to the treasures that they most often than not seek. This facilitates the strengthening of the relationship between Virgil and Dante as Dante’s reverse for Virgil is intense that he learns a lot from him even in his poetry. Dante sets ready to do all that he is told by Virgil because of the complete trust that he has in him. This is the reason that sees his inspiration to go and guide Dante through to the dark woods. This relationship is further instrumental in motivating Dante to keep on with his going even in times when he seems to want to turn back.
Conclusion
The journey through hell greatly changes the relationship that Dante had with Virgil through a series of evolutions. The relationship that exists between Dante and Virgil is a case that presents the possibility of humans having strong values and concern for the other. This strength in a relationship can lead to a presentation of an indifferent that is very strong in contrast or the hostility that the demand’s souls show to one another.
References
Dante, A., & Mandelbaum, A. (1988). The Divine Comedy of Dante Alighieri, Inferno: A verse translation, with an introduction by Allen Mandelbaum. New York, N.Y: Bantam Books.
http://danteworlds.laits.utexas.edu
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