Boccaccio's Use Of Allegory In Dantes Inferno

Medieval literature is known for its use of allegory. In fact, while reading medieval texts such as Boccaccio’s The Decameron and Dante’s La Vita Nuova, it is important for readers to analyze the people, places, things, and pivotal events carefully—they have significance—a metaphorical meaning. In addition, allegory and long narratives serve as the building blocks for medieval texts; the primary purpose of the tales is to tell a story. The stories often revolve around life lessons, as well as religious virtues. Throughout the course of this paper, readers will get the opportunity to learn how Boccaccio and Dante use the image of the eaten heart as an allegorical representation of the body of Christ. The analysis of the texts will be completed

For example, in chapter III of Dante’s La Vita Nuova, readers learn that Dante returns feeling joyful, after seeing his beloved Beatrice; however, later, in his sleep he encounters Beatrice, and his master, God. Beatrice is naked. Readers can conclude that the Dante’s dream has an allegorical meaning, representation of Sunday mass; where the body of Christ is given to the sinners, as a symbol of God’s forgiveness: “In one hand he seemed to be holding something that was all in flames, and it seemed to me that he said these words: “Behold thy heart” (Dante 5). Here, modern readers can argue that Dante’s heart is burning; it is the body of Christ. Modern readers can claim that Dante is quite shocked to see his burning heart being eaten by the woman that he loves with all his heart, love at first sight, since the he was nine-years-old. On the other hand, modern readers can claim that God is testing Beatrice’s divinity. For instance, as one continues to read, one gets the opportunity to envision God offering Dante’s heart, the body of Christ, to Beatrice. Beatrice is then forced to eat the burning heart: “And after some time had passed, he seemed to awaken the one who slept, and he forced her cunningly to eat of that burning object in his hand; she ate of it timidly” (Dante 5). This quotation forces modern readers to question Catholicism, mainly because

Nevertheless, during the Middle Ages, the Catholic Church was spread throughout all of Europe; in fact, it was the only church. The Church had its own law, as well as played a significant role in the government, alongside the king. Therefore, it can be argued that Dante decided to use his burning heart as an allegorical symbol of divinity; where his body is being given up for Christ. Nevertheless, one can also claim that during the Middle Ages, most likely obtained his or her decent education through the Church; for that reason, modern readers can conclude that Dante’s La Vita Nuova, was composed with the church’s inspiration, God’s innovation to be exact. Therefore, modern readers can also debate that if it were not for the Church’s influence, specifically its virtues, today, Dante’s La Vita Nuova would not