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A medieval poem about a journey through Hell, Purgatory and Paradise
1320Slow paceThoughtful
What it is about
The poet Dante finds himself lost in a dark wood and is led by the Roman poet Virgil through Hell and Purgatory. Beatrice, the woman he loves, guides him through Paradise. The poem is a vision of sin, repentance and divine love.
Who will enjoy it
Readers who want a major work of world literature.
What you will get
The poem was completed around 1320. A modern translation with notes helps greatly.
The Divine Comedy Facts: Pages, Genre and Setting
Genre
Classics · Epic poem · Afterlife · Medieval
Length
798 pages · ≈ 23 h
More about this book
Characters
Dante, Virgil and Beatrice.
Setting
Hell, Purgatory and Heaven.
What makes it different
A poem that combines theology, politics and personal drama.
Feel
Grand, strange and moving.
Thus Spoke Zarathustra
The Stranger
Waiting for Godot
The Pilgrim's Progress
Leaves of Grass
The Brothers Karamazov
The Screwtape Letters