Satan's Stand

Analytical Essay # 59079

English > Analysis
Literature > Poetry

An analysis of the clash between heaven and hell in Dante's "Inferno".

1,636 words () | 4 sources | MLA | 2004 | Canada

Published on: Jun 02, 2005

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how Dante's "Inferno" can be considered a giant cascading journey whose movements are continuous and on a constant downward pull. It contends that the entrance to the City of Dis is a climactic clash between heaven and hell that changes the course of Dante's journey and of the poem itself and follows the decent into hell and the battle that ensues.

From the Paper:

"Beginning in Canto VIII, Dante's entrance into Dis is heralded by Virgil, "See, my son! It now draws nigh"(67). From a distance Dante could see the mosques arise from a "red shell" that looked like glowing furnaces. It is here that the unquenchable fires of Hell are first seen. Torture by fire is only found in nether Hell. Dis is comprised of the entire nether Hell, moated by the river Styx; its ramparts form a complete circle around the pit. Dis contains all the souls of those who have wilfully chosen Satan as their King (Ralphs 14)."