In The Commedia, Virgil is acting as a guide for Dante as they are making their way through hell and purgatory. One comes to an understanding that Dante does not only trust Virgil in guiding him through the terrain, but also looks up to Virgil as a teacher and a writer. Dante has great respect for Virgil, and he sees “The Prince of Poets” as his superior. However, as they are traveling together Virgil enlightens and teaches Dante, which leads to the relationship between the men becoming more equal and Dante is no longer inferior. The knowledge that is being passed from Virgil to Dante will, at the end of their journey, make Dante feel like he has surpassed his master.
One thought on “Consider the relationship between Dante and Virgil.”
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I agree with you in your perception of the relationship between Dante and Virgil. I see it the same way in that their relationship strengthens throughout the journey as Dante trusts Virgil and Virgil teaches Dante multiple things in Hell. What I found was interesting as well as that Dante was capable of surpassing his mentor, in that it’s weird to see someone go beyond that of his/her mentor/master.