Inferno: Canto 2 -- The Descent

As we begin our descent into the pit of hell, it's very easy for us to look at the road ahead as part of an eschatological system in which the purpose of life is to find fulfillment or disenfranchisement in the world beyond. That was one of the defining features of the medieval period, "which saw the earthly life as a 'vale of tears,' a period of trial and suffering, an unpleasant but necessary preparation for the after-life where alone man could expect to enjoy happiness" (Ciardi 6). The medieval period was also defined by scholasticism, mysticism, a dichotomy between Christianity and Islam, a resurgence of the learning of Aristotle (ironically brought about in part by translations from Arabic), and the like. It is for this reason that the poem is medieval (and the last great tribute to medieval thought), but Ciardi argues that it is not a "celebration and glorication" of the times in the same way as Dante's guide Virgil hailed the greatness of Rome in the Aeneid. "The Comedy," Ciardi writes, "is a glorification of the ways of God, but it is also a sharp and great-minded protest at the ways in which men have thwarted the divine plan. This plan, as Dante conceived it, was very different from the typically medieval view. To Dante such an idea was totally repugnant" (6). As a result, we are able to find in Dante the idea not only of his having been the greatest writer of the medieval period, but also that of his having been a great transitional figure from the medieval period into the Renaissance (though he'll get no credit for it). "He gloried in his God-given talent, his well-disciplined faculties," Ciardi continues, "and it seemed inconceivable to him that he and mankind in general should not have been intended to develop to the fullest their specifically human potential. The whole Comedy is pervaded by his conviction that man should seek earthly immortality by his worthy actions here, as well as prepare to merit the life everlasting" (6-7). While this is an appropriate testament to human endeavor and accomplishment, it also happens to be one of Dante's visions that will later land him on pride's cornice for some time in Purgatory. Dante doesn't seem to mind, though, for he believes that we ought to live to our fullest potential on this earth; otherwise, why would God have given us so many gifts (and the free will to abuse them in so many ways as we're about to discover) in his establishing us as communal beings responsible to ourselves, our neighbors, and our God? The road to heaven is not just narrow and steep; it's a much longer journey, a process of growing in the realization that our having been created in the image of God means something on this planet.

At the end of this canto, Dante steps into hell with a joyous heart. Is it possible that when we understand our purpose and that God is ultimately the one who gave it to us that hell really has no power over us? How might that realization help us live better lives, more fully in accord with the God's purpose for us on earth?

*Take note, there's a new map on the left that provides a good set of footnotes for the various cantos. Also, the Cardinal Dulles video is pretty solid theology for us at this point in our journey -- it's also quite witty -- a good listen as it'll prepare you for what you're about to endure.