The Divine Comedy by Dante, Illustrated, Purgatory, Complete (ePub)

Dante Alighieri (c. 1265-1321), also known simply as Dante, is universally acclaimed as one of Italy's foremost poets. He is best known for his monumental epic poem, 'La Divina Commedia', or 'The Divine Comedy,' a seminal work that has influenced not only Italian but also Western literature and philosophy. Dante's 'Comedy' is often considered the greatest literary work composed in the Italian language and a masterpiece of world literature. In this narrative poem, Dante employs the vernacular Italian in lieu of Latin, a stylistic choice that helped shape the modern Italian language. 'The Divine Comedy' is an allegorical vision of the afterlife, divided into three parts: 'Inferno', 'Purgatorio', and 'Paradiso'. While 'The Divine Comedy' discusses a wide range of theological, ethical, and political themes, it is also remarkable for its intricate structure based on the number three, symbolizing the Trinity, and its use of terza rima, a rhyming verse stanza form. 'Purgatory,' the second part, explores themes of repentance and moral purification. Throughout the poem, Dante is guided by the Roman poet Virgil and later by Beatrice, whom he regarded as the embodiment of divine love. His work transcends the mere religious allegory to offer profound reflections on humanity's quest for divine truth and personal salvation. Dante's influence is evident in literature, art, and pop culture references centuries after his death.