Reading Dante’s Divine Comedy for the first time can be confusing. The poem includes references to classical literature, medieval theology, Italian politics, and literary issues that scholars are still debating. In addition, there are many translations (some good, some not so good) to choose from. This article will help you get started on this amazing and very rewarding journey.

The Story

The Divine Comedy is Dante’s story of his journey through the afterlife of Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven. It begins with Dante waking from sleep, lost in a dark wood. After a few attempts at escape, he encounters the poet Virgil, who tells Dante the only way out is down through the center of the earth through Hell. Virgil leads Dante through Hell, encountering terrifying scenes of punishment as well as meeting up with various inhabitants from Florence, the Bible, and classical literature. The journey through Hell ends with Dante and Virgil meeting Satan and escaping out of the other side of the earth.

The two travelers then encounter the Mountain of Purgatory, where they join all those destined for Heaven in the journey of purification. Just as in Hell (Inferno), Dante meets up with real and fictional characters, each with a story to tell.

Near the top of the Mountain of Purgatory, Dante changes guides and begins his journey through Paradise (Heaven) culminating in a vision of God.