The Epitome Of Heroism In Dante's Inferno

With an intellect ample in wisdom and a hard-heart rotund with insight, Virgil embodies reason as it bleeds out from those who have wronged. He paints the epitome of heroism as achieved via actions that damn the so-called hero, their glorified sins no match for his unblemished integrity; while his demonstrations of morality attract the adoration of many, namely Dante, infatuated with his logic. Dante selects Virgil as his guide through hell due to his adulation for Virgil, displayed through his consistent praising of Virgil’s insightful works as well as through the continuous referral to Virgil as his superior. Virgil defines the concept known as human reason in varying degrees, whether it be pure rationality or the notion of considering your surroundings; Dante bestowing him with the title of “Prince of Poets,” due to his esteemed stature in the art. Dante reveals this praise is one that lives admirably in his …show more content…
Dante denotes Virgil as his “guide…lord…[and] master” in order to uphold his belief of Virgil’s dominance in both his famed work and controlled demeanor. As Dante feared the “demon Charon with eyes like burning coals,” Virgil seized control of the dilemma by renouncing Charon’s words with lucidity, causing Dante to again acknowledge Virgil as his “courteous master”. Similarly, Dante entrusts his wellbeing in Virgil as they reach the “the madman,” Phlegyas, gracing Virgil’s aptitude to respond so firmly with the title “all-knowing master”. The most notable of the references is Dante’s incessant dubbing of Virgil as his “master,” quite possibly to solidify his faith and reliance on Virgil as his leader through the depravity that is hell. In other words, Dante’s recurrent usage of words that establish Virgil as one of nonpareil prominence, function to show Dante’s confidence in his guide; hence the reason as to why Dante chose