Week 3: Susan Schroeder

Throughout Dante Alighieri’s Inferno the focus is on identity; identity of not only the narrator, but also of all those trapped within the circles of hell.  When analyzing these identities as outlined in Culler’s Literary Theory, it is evident that they are primarily seen as figures whose self is socially constructed.  The first example of this is from Virgil himself as he recalls his identity

  

“Not man, though man I once was and my blood

                                was Lombard, both my parents Mantuan.

                                I was born, though late, sub Julio, and bred

Inferno, Canto I, lines 67-69, John Ciardi Translation

The use of socially constructed culture groups by Virgil, indicates the dependence of Dante on these social norms.  Culturally, at this point in time, (1300 CE) socially constructed identity was everything.  You were told who you were, which social class you fitted into, and how you related to others within and without your class.  Identity was rigidly defined, and breaking these socially constructed norms made one an outcast of that society.  This is the world in which Dante created the Divine Comedy.  Again, in this example of dialog between Virgil and Dante, the identity of the damned are socially constructed as those who are lost to the living. 

This is the place I told you to expect.

                                Here you shall pass among the fallen people,

                                Souls who have lost the good of intellect.”

Inferno, Canto III, lines 16-18, John Ciardi Translation

Even though identity was socially constructed at this time, Dante did incorporate the idea that an individual can create their identity, as seen in the opening lines of Inferno.

Midway in our life’s journey, I went astray

                from the straight road and woke to find myself

                alone in a dark wood.  How shall I say

Inferno, Canto I, lines 1-3, John Ciardi Translation

Here, at the beginning, Dante sees his identity as a sinner, someone whose inner ‘self’ is revealed by his actions.  However, throughout the journey, from hell, to purgatory, and eventually to heaven, we are shown how Dante’s identity is changed as he over comes each interaction with the damned.  Dante is no longer a sinner damned, but a repentant sinner who is worthy to enter the gates of heaven and see God. 

                These two forms of identity found within the Inferno are the basis for analysis of this complex and dense text.

Work Cited

Culler, Jonathan. Literary Theory: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1997.