Art Of Language In Dante's Inferno

In The Inferno Dante’s Immortal Drama of a Journey Through Hell is a work written by Dante Alighieri. In this work, Dante allows the reader to experience his every move. His art of language, sensitivity to the surroundings of nature, and his knowledge allow him to capture and draw the attention of the reader. In Canto 6, the Gluttons; Canto 13, Suicide, and Canto 23, the Hypocrite is where you see Alighieri do his best work. He excels in portraying the supernatural world of hell. In each canto, Dante combines his art of language with his sensitivity to nature to set the stage. He then reinforces the image with examples that call upon his knowledge.

Through his perfected art of language, the writer allows the reader to see what he sees, to hear what he hears, and to feel what he feels, and thus experience his sensitivity to the sights and sounds of nature. This way both the writer and reader are now in harmony with one another.

He has a vast knowledge of Greek mythology. He uses this knowledge to perfectly paint the picture of the Gluttons. He does this because he knows his audience will be able to recognize and relate with these mythical creatures. Dante shows this when he introduces Cerberus to stand guard over the gluttons. Cerberus is a three-headed man-beast from Greek mythology. His three heads and his indulgence to mock the victims make him the perfect creature. He then displays his knowledge of the history of the society when he asks of Ciacco “Farinata and Tegghiaio, men of good blood, Jacopo Rusticucci, Arrigo, Mosca, and the other who set their hearts on doing good where are they now whose high deeds might be-gem the crown of kings?” (Alighieri). If Dante Alighieri had not been so familiar with Greek mythology, he would not have been able to use specific names. By the end of Canto 6, the reader is allowed a complete understanding and visual of his