Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri

Name: Divine Comedy
Author: Dante Alighieri

The Divine Comedy is an epic poem written by Dante Alighieri between 1308 and 1321. It is widely considered to be one of the greatest works of world literature. The poem is divided into three parts: Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. Inferno is the first part of the poem and is set in the depths of Hell. It follows Dante as he descends through the nine circles of Hell, guided by the Roman poet Virgil. Along the way, Dante encounters various sinners and learns about the punishments they receive for their sins. Purgatorio is the second part of the poem and is set on the mountain of Purgatory. Here, Dante and Virgil ascend the mountain, encountering various souls who are being purified of their sins. Paradiso is the third and final part of the poem and is set in Heaven. Here, Dante is guided by Beatrice, a woman he loved in life. He ascends through the nine spheres of Heaven, encountering various souls and learning about the nature of divine love. The Divine Comedy is a timeless classic that has inspired countless readers over the centuries. It is a powerful and moving work that explores the depths of human suffering and the heights of divine love.

By Dante Alighieri · First published 1320 · Genre: Epic Poetry, Religious Literature, Fantasy · 60 chapters · 106,996 words

First lines

In the midway of this our mortal life, I found me in a gloomy wood, astray Gone from the path direct: and e'en to tell It were no easy task, how savage wild That forest, how robust and rough its growth, Which to remember only, my dismay Renews, in bitterness not far from death. Yet to discourse of what there good befell, All else will I relate discover'd there. How first I enter'd it I scarce can say, Such sleepy dullness in that instant weigh'd My senses down, when the true path I left, But when a mountain's foot I reach'd, where clos'd The valley, that had pierc'd my heart with dread, I look'd aloft, and saw his shoulders broad Already vested with that planet's beam, Who leads all wanderers safe through every way.

What this Textopian page supports

Divine Comedy is listed on Textopian as a poem by Dante Alighieri, dated 1320 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Poem
Author: Dante Alighieri
Date: 1320 CE
Language: English
Genres: Epic Poetry, Religious Literature, Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Romance
Length: 106,996 words
Structure: 100 chapters, 3,011 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
Readability and classroom-planning context
Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph

Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering Divine Comedy?
How does this poem by Dante Alighieri fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Epic Poetry first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Epic Poetry — The Divine Comedy is an epic poem written by Dante Alighieri, and is considered one of the greatest works of world literature.
Religious Literature — The Divine Comedy is a religious allegory, with Dante's journey through Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven representing the soul's path to salvation.
Fantasy — The Divine Comedy contains many fantastical elements, such as the monsters and demons that Dante encounters in Hell, and the angels and saints he meets in Heaven.
Historical Fiction — The Divine Comedy is set in the 14th century and contains references to historical figures and events from that time period.