The Divine Comedy

'The Divine Comedy' is an epic poem by Dante Alighieri, written in the early 14th century. Composed of three parts—Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso—the poem is an allegorical account of the soul's journey towards God. Dante begins in the dark forest of human sin and error, travels up the mountain of Purgatory where souls are cleansed, and finally arrives in the heavenly spheres of Paradise. Along the way, he encounters various historical and mythological figures, each suffering or rewarded according to God's justice. The work delves into themes of divine justice, eternal damnation, and divine grace, offering a vivid tableau of medieval Christian belief and doctrine.