Not Again

When I saw Inferno on the course syllabus, I thought to myself, “Oh no, not again.” It’s prejudice of course and apparently, it did have a negative effect on how I treated the reading. Inferno was nothing new to me, even though I only took it up once; it was just last semester though. To stress my point, I didn’t finish reading the text anymore. I could give an excuse that I ran out of time (it’s true) but I do remember making a conscious decision of not doing so. I know it’s not something a student should confess but at least it’s honesty. And since I’m already giving myself out, I would confess something a student should. I enjoyed the discussion this time way more than in English12. Well, I can’t really tell...but I’m confident to say that it seemed more interesting this time around. Discussions required more thinking and I definitely admire the participation it needed. It wasn’t exactly the roomful of philosophers-slash-scientists seen in movies but at least it was something. I should be discussing about how I feel about the book though. I guess I could excuse myself by reasoning out that I’m still in the intro? Ha-ha. Moving on...
Dante’s version of hell required a little less philosophy since it already had its origins. I would have to say that all Dante had to do was put things together, using imagination and literature for spice. Of course, I am not belittling what Dante has gone through to come up with the “Comedia.” What he did required much effort, or at least experience. I think trying to clarify my point just made me lose it.
“Inferno” is all about meaning and symbolism, obviously. As much as it required careful consideration on the author’s part (although of course, I couldn’t actually tell since I haven’t spoken with Dante himself), as a reader and student I had to understand his viewpoint to appreciate what he wrote. Although I have more idea on what Dante probably wanted to tell his readers, I wouldn’t profess that I actually appreciate “Inferno” in an affective level yet I do appreciate his work as a literature. Am I being indecisive? Honestly, I cannot make up my mind. It’s not that I am not capable of doing such but a person can’t simply have one point nor one opinion on anything. At least, not I. Well, that’s literature for me. Fortunately, I can make a stand on other things. I guess it’s all about having an open mind.
Ah, open-mindedness...it’s not necessarily beneficial. With Dante, I have to keep in mind that this is a virtue necessary. See, I have to look at “Inferno” as a student, as a literary reader, and as a Christian. What am I to do? I have to read the book even though I don’t exactly want to. I think I need to breathe for a while.
Ay Dante, why ever did you write about hell? What was your point and what is your purpose for writing such? Do you have any idea how you torture me? I am here in front of the computer writing about your book because I’m required to. I don’t even know where to start. In all honesty, I can’t take other people’s word. I want to understand yours. I wouldn’t bother to take the time trying to find out though, although now it seems that I would, but no. It would take me years and I wouldn’t be able to say that I am right for your not here nor there in the future to tell me. Ugh, it’s too much pressure. I need to release myself from this.
I’ll make one statement.







I really hope and pray to God that I wouldn’t need to touch “Inferno” ever again.