Ava Wilkinson

19 March 2018
English 10: World literature
Father and Son Relationships
A father and son usually have a very special relationship, in "Inferno" Virgil displays

characteristics of a father figure for Dante throughout their journey through hell. Dante Alighieri

portrays Virgil as a father figure to Dante in "Inferno" by his righteous anger, acting as a

protector, and showing pride.

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

a role model and leader for him throughout their journey through hell. One way this shows is

towards the beginning of the book where Dante is explaining how he is "honored" to have Virgil

as a guide, "O light and honor of all other poets, may my long study and the intense love that

made me search your volume serve me now. You are my master and my author, you the only one

from whom my writing drew the noble style for which I have been honored" (Alighieri 78-79).

This quote shows how Dante is grateful for having Virgil as a guide because he is a great poet. In

addition Virgil is also a great leader. Another example is by Virgil being his leader throughout

their journey he is also a role model, because everything he does Dante sees "A great flame

follows a spark" (Alighieri 158). This quote means if Virgil is a good example for Dante then

Dante will do good things. So Virgil trys to be a good example for Dante.

In addition to being a great role model, Dante Alighieri portrays Virgil as a father figure

to Dante in "Inferno" by acting as a protector. Throughout the entire play Virgil protects Dante

from numerous monsters in hell. One example of this is when he protects Dante from Medusa

"Turn your back and keep yours eyes shut tight, for should the gorgon come and you look at her,

never again would you return to the light" (52-57). This quote shows that Virgil tells Dante to
cover his eyes and not look at Medusa. He is protecting Dante. Another way Virgil is a protector

for Dante is he is his guide and he watches out for him "My guide and master bare me on his

breast as if I were not a companion but a son" (Alighieri 188). This quote proves that Dante

thinks of Virgil as a father figure and that he is there to protect him. And Virgil wants to protect

Dante. Throughout his journey through hell he is there to show him the way and protect him

from monsters.

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

showing pride. One reason Virgil is proud of Dante is because he is getting tougher with the

sinners as they move through hell. Dante starts to swear at the sinners and yell at them. One

example of this is when he is talking about a sinner named Manto "The terrible Virgin, passing

there by chance" (Alighieri 100). At the beginning of the book he feels bad for sinners but now

he is tougher and understands why they are punished. This shows Dante getting stronger as they

move down in hell. Another reason is when Dante tells Virgil that he needs him through his

journey through hell. He shows his pride through telling him this "nothing can take our passage

from us when such a power has given us warrant for it" (Alighieri 63). This quote shows that

Dante thinks of them as a power team, and its almost like nothing can stop them. Dante feels like

this if he has Virgil on his side.

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

his righteous anger, acting as a protector, and showing pride.