Below, underlies an important
question. I would consider the passage as dealing with identity and analysis.
Dante, the main character in “The Inferno,” is clearly struggling with his own
personal identity. What constitutes his right to the almighty heaven? He feels
that heaven would not be the right kind of place for a man like him. The analytic
structure is due to separating his reasons for going, as opposed to not. Dante
has to take a good look in the mirror and receive encouragement to pursue his
journey.
“Poet, you who must
guide me,
Before you trust me to that arduous passage,
Look at me and look through me-can I be worthy?
This particular question, quoted by
Dante in “The Inferno,” caught my attention after reading and re-reading the
passage. By stepping off the “right” path, Dante was thrust into a mind
boggling experience. The basic understanding was: to get to heaven, you have to
go through hell. He was faced with a question that I find I, as well as many
others I’m sure, struggle with. Am I worthy of heaven? Can my bad choices be
accepted to a kingdom that great? He is asking Virgil to examine his life and contribute
his opinion to why or why not he should be commendable to heaven.
Obviously, there was a reason why he was
chosen and being guided through the gates of treacherous hell to see the light
of heaven. Beatrice, the symbol of divine love, showed remorse and sent Virgil
to light the way. After being reassured, Dante no longer hesitates. He
understands that heaven is worth fighting for.
This particular passage struck me
as important because it shows that Dante had a choice. He was convinced to
continue farther to the gates of heaven, even though he was extremely scared of
the difficult journey ahead of him. He could have chosen to reject the expedition,
yet perseverance led on. Others believed that he had a right to correct his
errors, which is why he was cheered on. He not only deserved, but needed to see
the appalling stages of hell.
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