ENGLISH LITERATURE (CBSE/UGC NET)

Detailed explanation-1: -Allegorically, the poem represents the soul’s journey towards God, beginning with the recognition and rejection of sin (Inferno), followed by the penitent Christian life (Purgatorio), which is then followed by the soul’s ascent to God (Paradiso).

Detailed explanation-2: -The poem, The Divine Comedy, is about a journey of the author himself, towards God. It has three parts: Inferno (Hell), Purgatorio (Purgatory) and Paradiso (Heaven). Each part consists of thirty-three cantos. Such division reflects the medieval theology specific to Christianity.

Detailed explanation-3: -The characters of Discretion, Strength, and Beauty represent virtues that are secondary to Good-Deeds and Knowledge but who nonetheless accompany Everyman on his journey. Beauty appears with Discretion, Strength, and Five-wits, ready to assist Everyman.