The Divine Comedy

Style and Technique

The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri is an epic poem written in medieval Italian. The work has a three-part structure symbolizing the Christian understanding of the afterlife, divided into Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The language of the work is rich with symbolism, allegories, and imagery through which Dante explores themes of sin, repentance, and redemption. The poem is written in terza rima—a stanza of three lines, which was innovative for the literature of that time. Dante uses this structure to set the rhythm and musicality of the text. The Divine Comedy contains numerous historical, philosophical, and mythological references, making it not only a literary masterpiece but also an important historical document reflecting the worldview of the Middle Ages.