International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR)

International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR)
Call for Papers | Fully Refereed | Open Access | Double Blind Peer Reviewed

ISSN: 2319-7064


Downloads: 163 | Weekly Hits: ⮙1 | Monthly Hits: ⮙1

Research Paper | English Language and Literature | Philippines | Volume 8 Issue 3, March 2019


Imagery and Symbolism in Dantes Inferno: An Analysis

Dr. Chona M. Adlawan


Abstract: This research is an analysis of imagery and symbolisms in Dantes Inferno. Specifically, it looked into the images and symbols present in the first canticle of Dante Alighieris Divine Comedy, the Inferno, thereby excluding the last two books the Purgatorio (Purgatory) and the Paradiso (Paradise). This qualitative research utilized textual analysis in interpreting the different images and symbols found in the book. The analysis also examined figures of speech and other literary devices. This study is anchored on the mimetic or the classical theory which states that a literary work of art is a re-creation, a re-presentation, and a re-combination of what is found in reality. Dantes Inferno gives readers an insight of the reality and the nature of sin. Based on the analysis, it was found out that people, beasts, monsters, and places in mythology are found in the Inferno, and used by Dante allegorically in the poem. Dante in the epic was himself a Florentine poet but allegorically, he is the image of a Christian sinner who journeyed through hell, purgatory and finally to paradise where he can find peace and salvation. Virgil, his companion in hell, is the image of Human Wisdom, while Beatrice, the Divine Wisdom. Beatrice also symbolizes the Blessed Virgin or one of the God-bearers. The three beasts: leopard, lion, and the she-wolf, symbolize sins and temptations. The leopard symbolizes lust, the lion pride, and the she-wolf avarice.


Keywords: Divine Comedy, imagery, symbolism, Dantes Inferno, allegory, epic, analysis


Edition: Volume 8 Issue 3, March 2019,


Pages: 1033 - 1036


How to Download this Article?

You Need to Register Your Email Address Before You Can Download the Article PDF


How to Cite this Article?

Dr. Chona M. Adlawan, "Imagery and Symbolism in Dantes Inferno: An Analysis", International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Volume 8 Issue 3, March 2019, pp. 1033-1036, https://www.ijsr.net/get_abstract.php?paper_id=11031901

Similar Articles with Keyword 'symbolism'

Downloads: 3 | Weekly Hits: ⮙1 | Monthly Hits: ⮙1

Research Paper, English Language and Literature, India, Volume 10 Issue 9, September 2021

Pages: 869 - 870

The Symbolist Movement and Assamese Poetry

Ali Jal Haider

Share this Article

Downloads: 61

Research Paper, English Language and Literature, Sri Lanka, Volume 9 Issue 11, November 2020

Pages: 267 - 270

Expressionism, The Psychological Realism and Other Theatrical Devices Reflected in The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams

K. G. Swarnananda Gamage

Share this Article
Top