What does it take for a work of literature to be considered “timeless?” That no matter what age or period in history one lives in, they can pick it up and still feel its power just as strongly as when it was first written? There are many pieces of literature that have, for centuries and even millennia, stood the test of time to become something truly larger than even the author could have predicted, and there are few better examples of writing that have transcended its era to become truly timeless than Dante Alighieri’s The Divine Comedy.

This poem is split into three sections, each covering a different part of Dante’s journey, with the first section detailing Dante’s descent through Hell and the misery he sees, the second section detailing his ascent up the mountain of Purgatory and its role in cleansing sin, with the third and final section detailing his journey through the spheres of Paradise, and his ultimate spiritual enlightenment. There were several things that struck me as I read line after line of this poem, one being the relatively easy to read nature of it. For a piece of literature that was written 800 years ago, I found it surprisingly easy to read and understand, and while a fair bit of that does come down to the translation, do not be scared off from reading this by virtue of its age, its slightly archaic grammar should not be a turn off to most people in the modern day.

But why is this work of literature worth reading today? What justifies its legendary reputation, and is there anything that we can learn from a poem written so long ago that it seems obsolete to even write about now, much less read it? What makes this poem so special to so many people, even now, is that its story is timeless, its themes resonant, and its subject forever relevant. The Divine Comedy is a story about one mans spiritual journey to cleanse himself of the sin and guilt he has built up over his life so he may become pure enough to be re-united with the person that means more to him than anyone else, the saintly and divine Beatrice. Along his journey, he learns the valuable lessons of sticking true to ones faith through adversity, and appreciating what he has while he has it, as the whole reason for his guilt was that he did not value Beatrice while she was alive, and now that he has a chance to be re-united with her, he is willing to trek through the lowest circles of Hell and the highest mountains of Purgatory to do what he should have done long ago. The poem delves into some deep theological discussions, which I do not feel qualified trying to write down here, since I would not do any of them justice, but rest assured that those who are parched for theology in fiction will have their thirst quenched.

For a practicing Christian such as myself, this poem does more than just tell a well written story; it shows us that we, fallible human beings, can be redeemed for our past transgressions, and if we are willing to go the extra mile for our faith and repentance, God will reward us through his everlasting forgiveness. Dante did not have to go on the long, hard, arduous journey that was laid out for him; he could have easily refused to pick up his cross and submit to the human desire to avoid hardship and live the rest of his life with the thought of “What could have been?” overwhelming him. Instead, through his fear and trembling, he accepts the daunting task, and because he was willing to work and suffer for his goal, he is rewarded with bliss and happiness he cannot comprehend. It is a lesson that all should take, even those who are not as spiritual, that it is often the best things in life that we have to work the hardest for, and we should not abdicate our responsibilities to do good and work for our goals because we might have to suffer for them. It is the toughest of times that often produces the most virtuous people, and we should take it upon ourselves to follow the path of Dante, lest we submit to middling mediocrity and meaningless pleasure.