Twelve-Step Program to Escaping Dante's Hell Dante's

Twelve-Step Program to Escaping Dante's Hell Dante's The Inferno paints an incredibly vivid picture of what Hell is like. The journey Dante undertakes in order to progress past his 'lost' stage and escape Hell can be likened to the 12-Step Program a recovering alcoholic must complete in order to finally escape from the clutches of drinking to excess. This paper endeavors to explore Dante's journey through the perspective of this 12-Step Program.

By going through each step, one can witness the introspective and emotional self-examination Dante goes through, with a little help from his support group, in order to get out of Hell. The first step that every recovering alcoholic must take involves the process of admitting his or her problem. Alcoholics must acknowledge that they are helpless when battling their addiction and they must admit that this addiction to drink has wreaked havoc on their lives to the point where they have lost control (Alcoholic Anonymous, 1955, 59).

Dante's predicament is no different to that of an alcoholic struggling to regain control over his or her life.

At the beginning of the poem, Dante is portrayed as having gotten lost on the path of life and trying to get back on the right path (http://www.*****/essays/Literature/danteinferno.shtml,2).Using imagery, Dante recalls that "in the middle of his life, he [finds] himself lost in a dark forest, having lost the right path while half asleep." (http://www.gradesaver.com/ClassicNotes/Titles/inferno/fullsumm.html,1).Many historians believe The Inferno was penned during Dante's exile from Florence, specifically the night before Good Friday, 7 April 1300.

The dark forest symbolizes Dante's disillusionment of the period. Dante's disillusionment stemmed from his thoughts of inner conflict and transgression, the flawed material (in comparison with Heaven and God), corrupt politicians and popes, lack of genuine leadership, and so on (http://www.gradesaver.com/ClassicNotes/Titles/inferno/fullsumm.html,2). Similar to the character of an alcoholic just embarking on his journey to regular sobriety, Dante's character at the beginning of the poem is one of contradictions. His character isn't particularly defined, illustrating the confusion and conflict he is feeling.

Although the reader is made aware that Dante has committed a transgression, the reader is not illuminated on what that sin is. Although the reader is told of Dante's participation in Florentine political life, the reader does not know much else. Dante's characteristics are generalized. He frequently empathizes with others as well as unleashes his anger when the mood takes him. He cries upon witnessing the suffering of the Hell-dwellers, and rejoices when one of his adversaries suffers the same fate.

He prides himself on his inclusion among the renowned poets in human history residing in Limbo; yet he also humbly wishes to be reunited with his first love Beatrice. Dante often shows his fear of the beasts and demons he encounters in Hell but he also displays great courage by following his guide Virgil without fail.

Dante is emotionally vulnerable, often fainting or paralyzed with fear (http://www.sparknotes.com/poetry/inferno/terms/charanal_.html,1).Alcoholics harbor just as many contradictions in their psyche as they struggle to muster the courage to face their addiction and the demons that have enslaved them to the bottle for so long. Hell can be compared to an alcoholic's torrid journey into regular sobriety, a process of purification and truth, of escaping the confusion of dependency and finding the courage to live life without such a destructive crutch.

Hell can be seen as "the state of man who has lost the good of his intelligence, a state of man dominated by his passions." (Pound, 1968, 129). Dante desires to emerge from his confused state to enlightenment, just as a recovering alcoholic wishes to emerge from the confines of his or her addiction to independence from it.

However, not unlike the recovering alcoholic, Dante encounters impediments or temptations attempting to weaken his resolve (http://www.*****/essays/Literature/danteinferno.shtml,2)in the form of a leopard (representing worldly pleasure and lust), a lion (representing ambition) and a wolf (representing avarice). (Thompson, 2000, 4). Dante wishes to rise above his foggy misdirection but realises he cannot do this on his own.

This realization of knowing that outside help is necessary for success is the second step of the program: the addict must come to believe that a power bigger than themselves can take them back to sanity (Alcoholics Anonymous, 1955, 59). The addict must travel beyond the parameters that contain the familiar. They must venture beyond their comfort zone. Similar to a recovering alcoholic acknowledging the need for a sponsor or guide to keep them on the right track, Dante realizes he requires outside assistance.

This assistance comes in the form of a spirit called Virgil. Virgil sees Dante retreat back into the dark forest upon encountering the leopard, lion and wolf, and restores Dante's resolve. Virgil, not unlike any sponsor for a recovering alcoholic, reminds Dante of the true prize, reaching Heaven (enlightenment) and being reunited with his first love, Beatrice, whose concern for Dante prompted Virgil to come for him. Virgil is depicted in The Inferno as "[t]he shade.. that..

has been condemned to an eternity in Hell because he lived prior to Christ's appearance on Earth (and thus prior to the possibility of redemption in Him). Nonetheless, Virgil has now received orders to lead Dante through Hell on his spiritual journey.

Virgil proves a wise, resourceful and commanding presence, but he often seems helpless to protect Dante from the true dangers of Hell." (http://www.sparknotes.com/poetry/inferno/characters.html,1).Analysts believe that Virgil is a manifestation of human reason, in particular its huge power and its subordination to belief in God. (http://www.sparknotes.com/poetry/inferno/characters.html,1).Virgil embodies the view that reason is lacks strength or conviction without faith (http://www.sparknotes.com/poetry/inferno/terms/charanal_1.html,1). Virgil is an appropriate guide for Dante.

Because he is a soul lacking the encasement of a worldly life, Virgil is able to understand Hell and all its intricacies that a living man would not. However as a poet and as one who once walked the earth and conversed with other living beings, Virgil is able to communicate relatively easily with Dante about everything Dante encounters. He is able to help Dante digest all his observations and evaluate the merits of each (Thuleen, 1992, 3).

"Virgil acts as Dante's guide, showing him not only the physical route through Hell but also reinforcing its moral lessons. When Dante appears slow to learn these lessons - such as when he sympathizes with sinners or attempts to remain too long in one region of Hell - Virgil often grows impatient with him, a trait that humanizes this otherwise impersonal shade." (http://www.sparknotes.com/poetry/inferno/terms/charanal_1.html,1). With the assistance of a sponsor, it is possible to progress to the third stage of the 12-Step Program.

Alcoholics must decide to relinquish the control of their will and their life and defer this control to God as they know Him to be (Alcoholics Anonymous, 1955, 59). In other words, to readily hand over the fate of their lives to an entity greater than themselves (God), in conjunction with conducting an intensive self-examination. Dante readily gave control of his will and life to Virgil, who in turn had divine sanction from God.

What made Dante readily follow Virgil/God without question? The fact that hid guide came in the form of Dante's literary hero helped. Yet it was more about the support he was informed he had from people who were genuinely concerned for his welfare which made him agree to follow Virgil through Hell to reach Heaven. "In order to give him heart, Virgil said that Beatrice herself had descended from Paradise to Limbo to find him (Limbo is the place in Hell for worthy Pagans who lived before Christ).

Concerned about Dante, she had asked Virgil to lead him to safety. Gallantly, Virgil had agreed. He discovered that not only Beatrice, but two other blessed ladies, Lucia and Rachel, were also concerned for Dante, having been warned by 'a gentle lady' [Virgin Mary] that he risks damnation.

Hearing that his love had not forgotten him, Dante was much encouraged, and he resolved to Unflinchingly follow Virgil wherever he would lead him." (http://www.gradesaver.com/ClassicNotes/Titles/inferno/fullsumm.html,2).Just like a recovering alcoholic who draws strength from the love and support of the people around him, Dante derives much strength and courage from the knowledge that Beatrice and others care for him greatly.

The love and concern Beatrice, the two blessed ladies, Virgin Mary and God have for Dante is what is being greater than Dante himself. It is this love and support that Dante must trust in order to get through Hell and come out the other side unscathed.

Also, as Virgil guides Dante through the nine circles of Hell, the adventures and people they encounter along the way all point to the assertion that "Dante's well-being depends on a favourable divine will." (http://www.gradesaver.com/ClassicNotes/Titles/inferno/fullsumm.html,10).For instance, in Canto IX, Virgil and Dante require the help of Heaven's messenger to allow them passage through the gate of Dis where previously the fallen angels had sought to prevent their entrance.

(http://www.gradesaver.com/ClassicNotes/Titles/inferno/fullsumm.html,10).Not even Virgil informing the fallen angels that he possessed divine sanction in the mission would move the fallen angels to allow them to pass. It was only the direct intervention by a heavenly messenger that broke the deadlock. Acknowledging that a higher power is necessary to lean on leads one to the fourth step in the program. Recovering alcoholics are instructed to conduct a comprehensive and truthful self-examination (Alcoholics Anonymous, 1955, 59).

Another way of putting it is, the self-examiner must confront the beast of a previous lifestyle. "Dante realizes he must face evil (Satan) and rise toward the stars to the promise that is found in Heaven. The stars stand as a symbol of divine order and hope." (http://www.*****/essays/Literature/danteinferno.shtml,3). However, before reaching the stars, Dante must travel through Hell.

As Dante progresses through the nine circles, with Virgil as his guide, he meets many of his fellow Florentines as well as people he knows who have shaped human history in the various levels of hell. The fact that Dante recognizes most of the people he greets as fellow or rival politicians, friends and enemies belies the same culture they all resided in. Similar culture belies similar opinions on what is right and wrong (and they might not always be right).

Also, politicians tended to be members of the wealthier part of the town and therefore were more enslaved by their ambition and appetites than the common man, simply because they could afford it and had less people policing their activities. The fact that Dante's comrades and rivals existed in various levels of Hell implies that Dante would probably have suffered the same fate without heavenly intervention.

This speculation is made even more probable due to the fact that Dante often sympathizes with the plight of the sufferers, particularly those who he knew from the material world. Through Dante's encounters with his friends and enemies littered throughout the nine circles of Hell, Dante is compelled to face his own demons, confront his lifestyle choices and deem them right or wrong in the context of the place.

For instance, when Dante enters the First Circle of Hell (Limbo) which harbors non-believers of Christ, and the great literary minds of human history (http://www.sparknotes.com/poetry/inferno/summary.html,1),Dante feels an affinity with this group. "They came to the place where honourable shades were, and Virgil was welcomed by four giants, Homer, Ovid, Horace and Lucan.

Dante was very pleased to find himself accepted in their number as the sixth great intellect." (http://www.gradesaver.com/ClassicNotes/Titles/inferno/fullsumm.html,4).Then Dante ventures into the Second Circle of Hell, haven for those who succumbed to Lust (http://www.sparknotes.com/poetry/inferno/summary.html,1).Dante speaks to two young lovers trapped in the Second Circle, Francesca de Rimini and her lover, Paolo. When Dante was 20 years old he would have heard about the scandal that erupted between Francesca and her husband's brother, Paolo.

When her husband discovered their affair he had them both killed. "The souls floated over to him, and one of them spoke, telling how she had fallen in love while reading about Lancelot with her lover. She described the great power of love, and the deaths she and her lover suffered for it, deeply affecting Dante, who recognized her as Francesca. The other soul wept, and Dante fainted out of pity." (http://www.gradesaver.com/ClassicNotes/Titles/inferno/fullsumm.html,6).

When Dante enters the Third Circle of Hell, housing the Gluttonous (http://www.sparknotes.com/poetry/inferno/summary.html,1),he encounters a fellow Florentine. "Dante was sorry for his plight." (http://www.gradesaver.com/ClassicNotes/Titles/inferno/fullsumm.html,7).The Fourth Circle of Hell, reserved for the Avaricious and Prodigal (http://www.sparknotes.com/poetry/inferno/summary.html,1-2),appeared to be inhabited largely by religious men.

"Many of the misers were indeed 'clergymen, and popes and cardinals, within whom avarice works its excess.' Dante thought he might be able to recognize some, but Virgil said that they were unrecognizable, and that this sight should teach him not to put too much importance in money, since Fortune controlled it." (http://www.gradesaver.com/ClassicNotes/Titles/inferno/fullsumm.html,8). Upon passing through the Fifth Circle of Hell, sheltering the Wrathful and Sullen, Dante sees his political rival, Filippo Argenti, in torment there and rejoices at his suffering.

In the Sixth Circle of Hell, Dante observes the Heretics. He spots another political rival, Farinata, and converses with him at great length. In the Seventh Circle of Hell, Dante encounters souls who committed violence on others, on themselves (people who committed suicide), or on God (blasphemers). Dante encounters his old patron, Brunetti Latini (http://www.sparknotes.com/poetry/inferno/summary.html,2).Dante also met a suicide who had been transformed into a gnarled tree.

"Dante was too overcome by pity to speak..." (http://www.gradesaver.com/ClassicNotes/Titles/inferno/fullsumm.html,16).

In the Eighth Circle of Hell, the seducers, panders, astrologers, diviners, flatterers, Simonians, people who accepted bribes, hypocrites, thieves, false counsellors, gossipers and maligners, and the falsifiers lived out their punishment (http://www.sparknotes.com/poetry/inferno/summary.html,2).Dante recognizes people like Venedico Caccianemico (an acquaintance who was a pander in life), Alesso Interminei of Lucca (another acquaintance who seduced a girl before abandoning her), and the Ulysses (from the Homer epics, punished for his part in the Trojan Horse trick) (http://www.gradesaver.com/ClassicNotes/Titles/inferno/fullsumm.html,20-28).

The Ninth Circle of Hell, where the people who betrayed their families, their country and their benefactors are forced to play out eternity encased in ice, is the only place where Dante does not encounter an acquaintance or great man in history.

In fact, Dante is even cruel towards the people who suffer in this section of Hell, pulling the hair out of one of the sufferers and teasing another (http://www.gradesaver.com/ClassicNotes/Titles/inferno/fullsumm.html,34-36).As time progresses and Dante travels further into Hell, Dante gradually sees divine justice being meted out accurately and ceases to question the validity of what he observes.

This empathy that Dante originally feels for the Hell-dwellers, particularly for the souls he recognizes, leads us to the fifth step of the Alcoholics Anonymous 12-Step Program. Recovering alcoholics must admit to God, themselves and to others the exact nature of their sins or crimes (Alcoholic Anonymous, 1955, 59). Dante does not confide in Virgil or the reader on the exact nature of his transgressions that warranted Beatrice and the other heavenly entities to intercede on his behalf.

However, the fact that Dante often sympathizes with the souls he sees suffering in the different levels of Hell, speaks volumes on the affinity he feels with their situation and the reason behind their placement. In fact, this sometimes compels Virgil to impatiently urge Dante forward rather than waste time and entertain the unhappy stories of the sinners. Dante does not hide his empathy towards the Hell-dwellers. He visibly weeps, becomes overcome with pity and faints, depending on the circumstance.

The sixth step in the program involves being entirely prepared and willing for God to eradicate all the defects in character that contributed to the propagation of the addiction (Alcoholics Anonymous, 1955, 59). Dante's willingness to have these experiences change him for the better is clearly demonstrated in his willingness to follow the lead of Virgil (from the onset), despite the horrifying sights and smells Dante is subjected to. Dante accepts rides from beasts and demons and even slides down the back of Lucifer.

It's interesting to note that it is not in Virgil that Dante trusts completely, it is in the divine order given to Virgil from God which allows Dante to put his complete trust in his sponsor.

There have been times when Virgil was fearful, particularly when they awaited the heavenly messenger to come down and help them gain passage through the gate of Dis which was blocked by the fallen angels (http://www.gradesaver.com/ClassicNotes/Titles/inferno/fullsumm.html,10).Another indication of Dante changing his mindset and conforming his judgments to those of God's is the fact that he questions the punishments less as he progresses further into Hell.

The seventh step in the program deals with meekly requesting God to eradicate the recoverer's shortcomings (Alcoholics Anonymous, 1955, 60). Dante is seen to comply with this step in the program through his faithful following of Virgil without neither question nor doubt as to the destination and allowing his mind to see the justice being meted out in such a harsh climate.

Also, the fact that Dante at the end of the journey is clearer in thought and stronger in conviction than the person who embarked on the journey to Hell - confused, fearful and emotionally vulnerable. The eighth and ninth steps in the program details compiling a list of people the recoverer has hurt and to make direct atonement for their bad behavior towards those people (Alcoholics Anonymous, 1955, 60).

Although Dante does not visibly make a list of these people, we do know that his escape from inner confusion and Hell is primarily due to the love and concern on the part of Beatrice, the Virgin Mary, the two blessed ladies, God and Virgil. Dante shows his respect for Virgil as well as the others by complying with Virgil's directions to the letter and not doubting Virgil's words.

Dante also shows his love and compassion for Beatrice by using his desire to be re-united with her as his impetus to soldier on. "Dante's entire imaginary journey throughout the afterlife aims, in part, to find Beatrice, whom he lost on Earth because of her early death." (http://www.sparknotes.com/poetry/inferno/characters.html,2).Literary experts believe Beatrice manifests spiritual love (http://www.sparknotes.com/poetry/inferno/characters.html,2).

The tenth step in the program involves the continuation of taking personal stock of what one has done in the past, particularly when that person has been wrong, and summarily admitting to the wrong (Alcoholics Anonymous, 1955, 60). The journey through Hell which Dante undertakes evidently teaches him many lessons. This learning curve is apparent due to Dante feeling instances of pity less and less as they progress further into Hell. The understanding is that Dante receives enlightenment from the experience as he finally leaves Hell.

"Dante emerges when it is night, before dawn on Easter Sunday. In symbolic holy time, he has been 'dead' for the time after the crucifixion and before Christ rose, and.