... toward the wonder and awe of God. To further express his views, Dante relied heavily on numbers that become apparent symbols throughout the poem. The poem summarizes his theology, philosophy, and life (Kuiper). Throughout the Divine Comedy, Dante uses number symbolism and vivid imagery to illustrate his ... difference between Church and State, the Old and New Testament, corporal and spritual. The number three plays an especially important role throughout the poem. One poem divided into three canticles represents three persons in one God (1300 Evaluations, 549). There are nine circles or ...

• Word Count: 1843
• Approx Pages: 7
• Grade Level: High School

... work is an account of the poet's imaginary journey through hell, purgatory, and heaven. It is divided into three sections, named the Inferno (Hell), the Purgatorio (Purgatory), and the Paradiso (Paradise). In each of these three realms, the poet meets different people. Each character is symbolic of a particular fault or virtue. Dante is guided through hell and purgatory by Virgil, who ... voyage can be understood as the purification of one's soul and of the achievement of inner peace through the guidance of love and reason. In the opening of the poem, Dante finds himself lost in dark wo...

• Word Count: 1592
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School