As we witness Dante being embarked on a journey through hell, we also see his trusted sidekick by his side; Virgil. Even though it is evident that Virgil serves as a literal tour guide as Dante is lost on his journey, it is also implied that his purpose dwells deeper than just a human compass. Virgil seems to be portrayed as a guardian angel to Dante. He provides a powerful presence that provides protection and guidance to Dante. It could be compared to that of a conscience or intuition. On a number of occasions Dante is spared from the dangers of hell with the help of Virgil. The fact that Dante was going though an ordeal such as traveling through the depths of hell suggests that Dante had lost his way, not only physically, but mentally as well. Virgil is then seen as a voice of reason who will not only guide him through hell but also guide him though the soulful journey he is facing within himself.

Why does the Qur’an place such great emphasis on gardens and/or feasts?

While many other religions believe that heaven is an enchanted kingdom somewhere in the sky, the muslim community holds the belief  that it is similar to that of earth. The Qur’an describes heaven as a garden. The Qur’an describes the garden as a form of reward for those who are faithful. It is described as having rivers of milk and wine and honey and compassing fruits. I found it funny that it is against muslim traditions to consume wine, however it would be available flowing in the form of a river paradise. The garden is seen as the enchanted garden where one would want for nothing. Everything needed for survival would be easily accessible to the faithful followers of the muslim community.

How is the sanctity of marriage bond portrayed throughout the narrative?

The concept of marriage is extremely scared in The Ramayana of Valmiki. I think it may be the most pertinent form of union between two individuals. A relationship between a man and his wife has been portrayed in the reading as above any other relationship. After Roma was exiled and his mothers wish was to accompany him, Roma informed his mother that her loyalty should be with his father. Leaving her husband to be with her child would be categorized as a form of betrayal. There also seems to be a belief that the bond between a man and wife is continued after death. On more than one occasions in the book, both Rama and Sita considered suicide as a means of being together after life has ended. They preferred death over living without each other.

Plato expressed a more in-depth view on love and the different types of relationships rather than Lysistrata. While Lysistrata focused mainly on the sexual connection between a man and a woman, The Symposium,  looked at the complex relationship between a man and a boy. It is also implied that love not only exists within humans, but also within music, or as a means of obtaining wisdom. Although both works express different views on love, it is evident that the relationship amongst men are held at a higher standard. In Pausanias’s speech, he differentiates between the two unions. He describes the relationship between a man and a woman was “Common Love” whilst a man and man relationship is described as “Heavenly Love”