There are a few reasons our society has been so intrigued with Dante for so many years. The first is the continuous references to political practices at the time. Dante mentions such political figures he meets in hell including people like Santa Zita, Polydorus, Pier della Vigna. Dante encounters all these individuals in his journey through hell and given their lives before death puts them in their appropriate place of hell.
Dante also includes many historical figures. “I saw Electra with many companions, among whom I knew well which shades were those of Aeneas and of Hector, and Caesar.” Aeneas was a Trojan hero who was very well known with both the Romans and the Greeks. Hector was a Trojan prince who was known for his courageous and noble nature. And Caesar, one of the most famous Roman political and military leaders. I love how Dante can take all these famous historical figures and include them in his walk through hell.
I find it amazing the amount of political, historical, and religious, knowledge Dante incorporates into the book. But one element that I think makes the book so appealing are the brutal punishments placed on the dead and the grotesque characters. These punishments can range from people being turned into trees and people who’s heads are turned 180 degrees. These disgusting images make the story interesting and make the reader want to continue reading. I don’t know what it is about movies or literature but the more conflict and violence in the work the more engaging the story is.