Canto or song number two in The Inferno of Dante sets the stage for Dante’s infernal journey. Initially, Dante is very nervous, for he states, “While I alone was preparing as though for war.” When someone is preparing for war that person generally is nervous, and scared. However, at the same time a little excitement lurks within them. Yes, they do fear the chance of death, but when they think of the glory they will receive upon succeeding they are placated. Similarly, Dante was terrified because after all he was going to hell; a very unpleasant place. At the same time he probably was thinking about the glory he would receive upon his return. The first few lines of the canto foreshadow the horrors Dante will

Dante not only looks towards his poetic ancestors for guidance and inspirations, but looks to his political ones as well. He looks into Rome’s political history. He marvels over the fact that the seed of Catholicism was planted in Rome, and Rome was where the first Catholic church as established.

As one can imagine being given the opportunity to visit hell is something not everyone comes across on daily basis. As expected, in the eyes of the pilgrim Dante being able to have this opportunity was deemed a big issue. Dante kept making references to both Aeneas and St. Paul’s descent to hell. Aeneas went as a prelude to the founding of the Roman Empire, and St. Paul went in order to bear witness to his faith. Dante felt unworthy, he stated, “I am not Aeneas or Paul not I nor others think of me such worth, and therefore I have many fears of playing the fool to embark on such a venture.” By stating this it is quite obvious that Dante not only deems himself as unworthy, but he is also scared of faltering. He is already aware that this journey will change his life for the better or the worse.

have to see, smell, hear, and endure. “”to struggle with my journey and the spirit of pity, which my flawless memory will redraw”, the words “flawless memory” tell the reader that the events that Dante will experience will be so intense that he will remember them without fault.

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