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Relationship In Dante's Inferno

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Dante’s Inferno tells the tale of a middle- aged man’s journey through Hell. This journey starts with Dante waking up in a dark forest in which he attempts to climb a mountain only to be blocked by a leopard, lion, and a wolf in his path. At this moment, the spirit of the Roman poet, Virgil, appears before him. Virgil tells Dante that his beloved, Beatrice, has sent him to guide Dante through another path out of the forest. This path requires both these men to journey through hell so that they can essentially ascend to heaven. In this work, Virgil is seen as a mentor to Dante who guides Dante through the different perils of hell because he is most revered by Dante. It is due to this respect and admiration that makes Virgil the best guide for Dante. Some say Virgil’s role was also the manifestation of human reason and intellect. According to Braden Krien, who examined the role of Virgil in Dante’s Divine Comedy, says that “Virgil is also the personification of human reason and classical wisdom” (Krien 1). As they begin their journey, it is obvious that in the beginning Dante blindly follows Virgil. However, as they go on, one can see how the dynamic of their relationship changes. The change in Dante and Virgil’s ever-evolving relationship can be seen through Dante observing Virgil being denied, feeding his curiosity about Medusa, and sympathizing with the sinners.
When Dante first lays eyes on the spirit that appears to him, he is surprised to learn it is Virgil and says,

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