Despite the leagues that separate this modern age and the time when Dante wrote the Inferno, it remains a piece of literary work that resonates with modern man's perception of hell. Even to modern eyes it presents an image of hell that is both emotionally moving and intellectually challenging. Since the version I read was in English I am not able to effectively analyze the impact of the language, but rather, will analyze the ideas and how they have withstood the passing of time. One must ask: what are the specific devices that Dante uses to create such an effective piece of work? What has enabled this text to continue to direct man's image of hell? Dante's success stems out of his ability to turn the broad and complex issue of hell into a place that is composed of his personal reflections. This personal representation enables the readers to encounter a vision of hell that is not usually presented, one that encompasses a human quality both emotionally and intellectually.

At the onset of Dante's journey into hell, the landscapes are not the typical visions of hell; there are no demons and fire. The landscape instead of portraying the typical images of hell, reflects the spiritual situation of Dante as a soul who has been denied access to the gates of heaven. By not immediately plummeting the reader into a stereotypical image of hell. Dante forces the reader to focus on Dante's current spiritual condition rather than imagery used as a scare tactic. The reader is also drawn into Dante's surroundings because this is a personal journey. Unlike the hell Tnugdal visits, Dante's hell has a strong connection to his spiritual state. This is most clearly demonstrated by Beatrice and Virgil. His presence in hell is dependent on two people whom he both respects and loves. Due to the presence of these two fundamental persons in Dante's life, it is only natural that hell becomes not just a place of pits of lava, but rather holds a more deep and personal meaning.

This realistic depiction of hell enables the reader to develop an emotional attachment to both the sinners in hell and Dante. Frequently throughout the poem, Dante is portrayed as fainting or weeping in pity for the denizens he meets. One instance stands out in particular when Dante talks to Francesca. She tells Dante about her adulterous relationship with her husband's brother. This story moves Dante to such a state that he eventually faints. This act of human emotion does not only increase the readers' attachment to Francesca, but also the connection to Dante. Dante's pity for some of the citizens below is touching in a place of so much suffering and helps to remind the readers of the human aspects in this seemingly impersonal place. Dante does not only encounter people who he pities, he also encounters intellectual figures who he, as a great intellectual thinker of his time, has a great respect for. Virgil's role as Dante's guild is a clear demonstration of this. Virgil is renowned Roman poet who Dante holds the highest esteem for. In the Inferno, Virgil is condemned to eternity in limbo. It is hard to imagine what is must be like witnessing the intellectual minds that you have the utmost respect for suffering in a place where good deeds earn no merit. Dante's respect for great intellectual minds such as Homer and Aristotle is made apparent to the reader, who in return is struck by the great sadness Dante must feel. Dante does not merely see these people but rather he engages in conversations that give these denizens an identity and transform these faceless beings into real people.

This is also emphasized by the fact that many of the sinners in hell are opponents to Dante's political ideals. His hell is not an ageless one, and the denizens are very much a reflection of the time Dante is writing in. It may seem odd that such a particular hell could appeal to modern readers who know so little of these situations. Personally this increased the appeal of the inferno. This hell is not one fixed in timeless theological limbo, it is rooted in a time and place. When reading other reflections of hell it is difficult to relate personally to them because the depictions themselves are not personal. The hell many theologians depict is one that is comprised of ambiguities and is more a reflection of an ageless doctrine. Personally this is neither appealing nor compelling. By relating the concept of hell to the world around him, Dante opened the door for his readers to do the same.

The readers are not just imparted with an emotional attachment, but are also intellectually drawn in by Dante's vision of hell. This is accomplished once again through Dante's careful consideration of what hell means to him personally. This is demonstrated by the fact that his vision of hell does not conform strictly to one religions view. For example, there are Centaurs and other mythological creatures suffering with the other Denizens of hell. The presence of such mythological creatures demonstrates that Dante did not construct this image of hell with the intention of presenting a Catholic vision of hell. Rather Dante's hell stems out of his personal conceptions. This is also demonstrated through Dante's exploration of the concept of divine love. Divine love is represented with the presence of three women: the Virgin Mary, Beatrice, and Lucia. Through hell he is protected by the love of these three women. This says something significant about Dante's conception of hell and his purpose in visiting such a place. It is also important to recognize that this trinity of love is composed of both religious and personal expressions of love. While the Virgin Mary is regarded as a figure of love in the Catholic Church, Beatrice's presence in this trinity is due to Dante's personal relationship with her. This brings divine love to a more human level and allows the reader to more accessibly deal with such complex and fundamental issues.

The Inferno continues to thrive as a compelling presentation of hell not because of the language or the imagery, but due to the fact that this is a personal reflection on the nature of hell. The Inferno is not a piece of church propaganda or a pseudo sermon with the intent of imparting the readers with a renewed fear of hell. Had these been the aims of Dante his novel would not have persevered through the ages. Personally, it does not make sense for a reflection of hell to be an impersonal reflection because the nature of hell is highly dependent on what each individual has taken from this broad concept and applied to his or her own life. The true effectiveness of the Inferno comes from the fact that Dante molded a universal concept into something that was filled with both personal emotional and intellectual depth.