The Modern Application of Dante and Virgil’s relationship

In the two translations, the largest variation was the modernization of Dante and Virgil’s relationship and how it pertains to modern culture. The two’s relationship in the book is one of almost equal prestige. In the book, Dante finds himself to be such a considerable talent he often “overshoots” his true intellectual capacity, but he comments that Virgil was “the only one from whom my writing drew the noble style in which I have been honored” (canto 1, lines 83-87). Dante is involved in asking questions of Virgil, and Virgil reciprocates with thoughtfulness and acknowledgement. Dante chooses to learn from what Virgil tells him, even when he is reprimanded. Dante’s intelligence and curiosity pair well with Virgil’s knowledge of the situations at hand and a mutual respect is born.

In the satirical movie, Dante is portrayed as a dense and ignorant individual. He barely recalls even hearing about Virgil prior to encountering him as his guide, lending the suggestion that he “may have learned about him in class once”. Dante is nothing more than an “Average Joe” whose going down the wrong path, while Virgil retains his talented and eloquent persona. Modernization is first evident in the way in which Dante shows his lack of appreciation for the skillful design of hell. He seems so engaged with the topical situation of leaving hell, he ceases to realize the opportunity to learn from Virgil and engage in meaningful change.

The movie seems to suggest that the art of analysis and problem solving is lost on modern generation, dooming it to continue on its destructive path. In the book, Dante wants to learn from Virgil and be the “messenger” for the natural world in order to “save” others from this fate. Because he thinks of himself favorably, Dante was probably doing this for his own glory than the favorable fate than others, but nonetheless he ventured beyond his narrow view by developing a relationship with Virgil and the souls he encountered. Dante in the movie was much more concerned with his own wellbeing and was too concerned with a timely exit to bother with growing from the situation. He identifies that he needs to change, but doesn’t realize his opportunity to do so lies in the knowledge and relationship of Virgil and his current environment. Virgil recognizes that Dante needs to be “saved” and tries to show his distress at Dante’s ignorance both verbally and by physically hitting him. The movie itself seems to relate Dante to a modern person who is looking for answers as much of this generation’s youth strives to do, but Dante doesn’t recognize these opportunities for education and positive change in Virgil and his situation, even when it “hits” him. This modernization shows Dante caring more about the destination than the journey which comments on society’s current obsession with quick fixes rather than evolutionary change, making it difficult to positively change society despite the resources at its disposal.