Jess Schad

Miss Skirtich
19 March 2018
English 10: World Literature
"You can tell them that
I've been from hell and back"
Virgil, the traveler of Hell, acts as a tough loving man, to Dante. Fathers should play the

role protecting their children, no matter the circumstances. Virgil acting as a father figure is

clearly showcased in Dante Alighieri's "Inferno." When Virgil brings Dante through the end of

Hell, there lies Lucifer the worst sinner of them all and the rest of his sinners he has tempted over

time. Dante Alighieri illustrates Virgil as a father figure to Dante in "Inferno" by his teaching

him, protecting him, and caring about him.

Dante Alighieri illustrates Virgil being a father figure to Dante by teaching him in Circle

7 Round 3, when Dante and Virgil come across a dark part of hell. This circle is filled with the

Blasphemers, Sodomites, and Usurers. These sinners sinned in ways that are even too hard to

speak about. They come across the Blasphemers, “Now follow me; and mind for your own good

you do not step upon the burning sand but keep well back along the edge of wood” (Alighieri

113). Virgil teaches Dante to not step onto the burning sand. He knows that would hurt him and

he looks out for him the best he can. Another example of how Virgil teaches Dante was in Canto

8. In the Woods of the Suicides, Virgil instructs Dante to break off one a branch of the trees to

figure out where the screams are coming from, “If you break off a twig, what you will learn will

drive what you are thinking from your hand” (Alighieri 103). Virgil trys his best to make Dante

aware of any fears he may have. He teaches him the right before he does the wrong. These two

examples clearly demonstrated Virgil being a father figure to Dante through teaching him the

right way in hell.

 Additionally, Virgil acts as a father figure to Dante by protecting him. In Dante

Alighieri's "Inferno," Virgil acts as a father figure to Dante when Medusa appears, “Turn your

back and keep your eyes shut tight; for should the Gorgan come and you look at her, never again

would you return to the light” (Alighieri 69). Virgil and Dante are approaching the City of Dis

and Virgil knows Medusa would soon appear. Virgil does the right thing by telling Dante to

look away or he would get turned to stone. Another example of Virgil protecting Dante occurs

in circle viii, where they approach the Simonists. Dante's curious, and he asks Virgil, "'Master,”

I said, “Who is that one in the fire who writhes and quivers more than all the others? From him

the ruddy flames seem to leap higher' (Alighieri 153). Dante is curious about the Simonists and

he knows Virgil will have an answer about them. He is asking questions about the Simonists and

Virgil acts as a protector to Dante. Additionally, Dante Alighieri illustrates Virgil as a father

figure to Dante in "Inferno" by actioning as a protector.

Lastly, Virgil acts as a father figure to Dante by caring for him. Throughout hell, Dante

and Virgil are put in some tough situations, but Virgil always cares for Dante. Nearing the end

of hell Dante has seen many hurt sinners, and that has changed his him. He tells Virgil, “Still

bearing left we passed from the long still to the last bridge of Malebolge. There the reeking

bottom was more visible” (Alighieri 237). The end is soon coming to a near. The sinners are

getting worse the farther the circles go and soon Judecca will be found at the bottom of circle

nine. This journey through hell has displayed Virgil's sincere care for Dante, "Take heart.

Nothing can take our passage from us when such power has given warrant for it. Wait here and

feed your soul while I am gone on comfort and good hope; I will not leave you to wander in this

underworld alone” (Alighieri 63). Their time has come to an end. As the bond between Virgil
and Dante grow it only shows how much care Virgil has deep down for Dante. Furthermore,

Dante Alighieri delineates Virgil as a father figure to Dante in "Inferno" by protecting him.

Finally, Dante Alighieri portrays Virgil as a father figure to Dante in "Inferno" by

teaching him, acting as a protector, and caring for him. The readers of Dante's "Inferno", should

have learned that Virgil is an inspring fatherly figure to Dante.