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Dante’s Inferno Inferno begins with Dante wandering alone in a dark forest, having lost his way on the true path. Returning in despair, he sees a form in the woods, which reveals itself to be the shade (or spirit) of the great Roman poet, Virgil. Dante, thrilled to meet the poet he most admires, describes the beasts that blocked his path. Virgil informs him that a different path must be taken to ascend the hill and offers to be his guide. He tells Dante that they must first pass through the place of eternal punishment (Hell), and then a place of lesser punishment where souls are content within the fire (Purgatory), before they can reach the blessed people (in Heaven). Encouraged by Virgil’s assurances, Dante sets forth, following his new guide.
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