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The Divine Comedy: Inferno, Purgatorio, Paradiso (Penguin Classics): A Journey Through the Afterlife

John Milton

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The Divine Comedy is a masterpiece of Italian literature and one of the most important works in Western literature. Written by Dante Alighieri in the early 14th century, the poem tells the story of Dante's journey through the afterlife, accompanied by the Roman poet Virgil. The poem is divided into three parts: Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. Inferno describes Dante's journey through hell, where he encounters sinners of all kinds, from the lustful to the treacherous. Purgatorio describes Dante's journey through purgatory, where he encounters souls who are being purified from their sins. Paradiso describes Dante's journey through heaven, where he encounters saints and angels.

The Divine Comedy: Inferno, Purgatorio, Paradiso (Penguin Classics)

by Dante Alighieri

4.6 out of 5

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Inferno

The Inferno is the first part of The Divine Comedy. It describes Dante's journey through hell, where he encounters sinners of all kinds. The Inferno is divided into nine circles, each of which is inhabited by a different type of sinner. The first circle, Limbo, is inhabited by the souls of those who were not baptized before they died. The second circle, Lust, is inhabited by the souls of those who were overcome by lust in life. The third circle, Gluttony, is inhabited by the souls of those who were overcome by gluttony in life. The fourth circle, Greed, is inhabited by the souls of those who were overcome by greed in life. The fifth circle, Wrath, is inhabited by the souls of those who were overcome by wrath in life. The sixth circle, Heresy, is inhabited by the souls of those who were heretics in life. The seventh circle, Violence, is inhabited by the souls of those who were violent in life. The eighth circle, Fraud, is inhabited by the souls of those who were fraudulent in life. The ninth circle, Treachery, is inhabited by the souls of those who were treacherous in life.

Purgatorio

The Purgatorio is the second part of The Divine Comedy. It describes Dante's journey through purgatory, where he encounters souls who are being purified from their sins. The Purgatorio is divided into seven terraces, each of which represents a different type of sin. The first terrace, Pride, is inhabited by the souls of those who were overcome by pride in life. The second terrace, Envy, is inhabited by the souls of those who were overcome by envy in life. The third terrace, Wrath, is inhabited by the souls of those who were overcome by wrath in life. The fourth terrace, Sloth, is inhabited by the souls of those who were overcome by sloth in life. The fifth terrace, Avarice, is inhabited by the souls of those who were overcome by avarice in life. The sixth terrace, Gluttony, is inhabited by the souls of those who were overcome by gluttony in life. The seventh terrace, Lust, is inhabited by the souls of those who were overcome by lust in life.

Paradiso

The Paradiso is the third part of The Divine Comedy. It describes Dante's journey through heaven, where he encounters saints and angels. The Paradiso is divided into nine spheres, each of which represents a different planet. The first sphere, the Moon, is inhabited by the souls of those who were not baptized before they died. The second sphere, Mercury, is inhabited by the souls of those who were active in life. The third sphere, Venus, is inhabited by the souls of those who were in love in life. The fourth sphere, the Sun, is inhabited by the souls of those who were wise in life. The fifth sphere, Mars, is inhabited by the souls of those who were martyrs in life. The sixth sphere, Jupiter, is inhabited by the souls of those who were just in life. The seventh sphere, Saturn, is inhabited by the souls of those who were contemplative in life. The eighth sphere, the Fixed Stars, is inhabited by the souls of those who were triumphant in life. The ninth sphere, the Primum Mobile, is inhabited by the souls of those who were blessed in life.

The Divine Comedy is a masterpiece of Italian literature and one of the most important works in Western literature. It is a complex and challenging poem, but it is also a rewarding one. The poem offers a unique insight into the human condition and the nature of the afterlife. It is a work that has inspired countless artists and writers over the centuries, and it continues to be read and enjoyed by people around the world.

The Divine Comedy: Inferno, Purgatorio, Paradiso (Penguin Classics)

by Dante Alighieri

4.6 out of 5