An epic poem by Dante Alighieri 1307-21,
describing a journey through Hell, Purgatory,
and Paradise. The poet Virgil is Dante's
guide through Hell and Purgatory; to each of
the three realms, or circles, Dante assigns
historical and contemporary personages
according to their moral (and also political)
worth. In Paradise Dante finds his lifelong
love Beatrice. The poem makes great use of
symbolism and allegory, and influenced many
English writers including Milton, Byron,
Shelley, and TS Eliot.