Relationship between Dante and Virgil

Dantes Inferno Analysis

Introduction
There is an evolution in the relationship between Dante, who is a pilgrim, and the
guide Virgil throughout Dantes Inferno. In the analysis of the transformation in this
relationship of the two as sojourns through the hells circles, Dantes 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,
Dantes 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.
Virgils relationship with Dante
Virgils 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 Dantes 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 Dantes
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 cos col
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 Dantes 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. Dantes 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.
Virgils role
Virgils 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 Dantes 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.

Virgils official job is to act as a guide for Dante, however it quickly becomes
apparent that their relationship is more than a guide and a traveler. Virgil becomes
a teacher, negotiator, and father like figure to Dante. In every canto he gets Dante
to interact with the sinners as well as lecturing him on how they ended up there. In
Canto One when Dante and Virgil first meet the wording symbolizes that their
relationship is special. You are my master, and my author: you alone are the one
from whom I learnt the high style that has brought me honour. See the creature that
I turned back from: O, sage, famous in wisdom, save me from her, she that makes
my veins and my pulse tremble, states Dante in the woods. Already Dante is
calling Virgil master, which confers upon him a great amount of respect. In addition
he pleads with Virgil to protect which establishes Virgils role as protector of Dante.
Virgil then offers to be Dantes guide much to Dantes relief and gratitude. Skipping
ahead to Canto three, one can see Virgil assumes the role of mentor and teacher by
making a point of telling Dante what every punishment they come across is for.
Virgil takes on the role of protector by forcing Charon to give himself and Dante a
ride across the river. Virgil refers to Dante as my son which shows that he has
some measure of affection for Dante. In Canto thirteen Virgil encourages Dante to
figure out for himself what is causing the moaning and screeching the forest. Virgil
apologizes for Dantes carelessness when Dante pulls off a limb from the tree. Virgil
also gets the tree to tell its whole story to Dante by using persuasive words as he
has been throughout the journey, showing that he cares about how much
knowledge Dante has. Dante and Virgils relationship is exemplified during Canto
thirty-four when Virgil first shoves Dante out of Hell and then pulls himself up. Dante
and Virgils relationship culminates into the typical Master Apprentice borderline
father-son with a tone of deference from Dante to Virgil.
In Dante's Inferno, Virgil, the Roman poet, guides Dante through Hell. Virgil first
encounters Dante at the beginning of Inferno when Dante strays from the True Way,
a term used by Beatrice to represent a righteous and religious life. Beatrice, Dante's
real-life love who resides in Heaven, becomes worried about Dante and urges Virgil
to restore his morality and virtue. She tells Virgil, "my dearest friend [...] has strayed
/ onto a friendless shore and stands beset / by such distresses that he turns afraid /
from the True Way" (Dante 36). Virgil rescues Dante, and these two characters
develop a unique relationship as they journey towards the center of the Earth. Virgil
shows Dante the consequences of sin and instructs him to speak with many of the
suffering sinners they encounter. A biased relationship develops between the two

characters, where one individual becomes more dependent on the relationship than
the other. Specifically, a father and son relationship forms between Virgil and Dante.
This kind of connection between the two main characters allows Virgil to show
Dante how to find the True Way and implies a universal relationship between God
and humanity.

It is apparent early in Inferno that Dante needs...

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 demands 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.