It seems as though Virgil plays the role of a mentor to Dante. Dante wants to escape this place where he feels trapped. He feels as if there is no way to get out. Virgil offered himself, and Dante took this as solace and a hope for guidance. He feels that Virgil can offer something that he feels the culture around him and he has lost, which is culture and virtues like poetry.
I completely agree with your comment. Virgil became more than just a guide, but also the person Dante was able to trust. When losing confidence, Virgil did everything to help him gain it back.
Well said. I completely agree and feel that Dante looked at Virgil as his mentor and that is what kept him motivated to keep going through each stage of hell. Being that his love was so strong for Beatrice, he continued to keep going and with Virgil there by his side, it only made him stronger.
I agree with your statement that Virgil is a mentor to Dante. However Later on in the story this changes. Dante, and Virgil become two independent beings, rather than Dante relying on Virgil.