It has long been known that Dante derived much inspiration from Virgil. In the Purgatorio, Dante begins with the metaphor of Dante the poet portrayed as a navigator, coursing toward better waters, leaving the cruel sea, Hell, behind. This metaphor is rather familiar, because it has been used previously by Virgil. One can gather information about Virgil through history and literature, but he is presented very differently in these two ways. We read about Virgil as a person through history books, but upon delving into his writings, we experience an entirely new perspective and gain much more insight into Virgil’s character. Obviously, Dante chooses to portray Virgil’s character the same way the character is depicted in the Aeneid–someone brave, strong, and a source of comfort and familiarity. Dante held much respect and reverence toward Virgil as a writer, which is why so many ideas presented throughout the Divine Comedy are reminiscent of Virgil’s style. Virgil’s influence is present in almost every part of the Divine comedy, from the way he invokes the help of the Muses (like Virgil does in the Aeneid) to the type of metaphors he uses (the poet as a navigator). Virgil is a mentor not only to Dante the character, but also to Dante the poet. He is an exalted figure and a source of inspiration in Dante’s eyes.
Dante and Virgil’s relationship has evolved in the Purgatorio. Dante is no longer just a “fan” of Virgil. He has complete and utter trust in Virgil, and almost a father and son type of bond. However, if Dante held Virgil in so much respect, why did he place him in Limbo? I think that Dante may have been conflicted in this matter. It can be agreed that Virgil represents human reason, for human reason can only take on so far, and once Dante reaches Paradise, Virgil can no longer accompany him. Likewise, human reason can only take us so far, and we can only strive to achieve the highest degree of divinity we can through practice, but we are not divine by nature. Dante’s placement of Virgil in Limbo is symbolic of this internal struggle he has had between the eternalness of the Catholic faith (of which Dante was a firm believer), and the classical pagan world, of which so many of the poets he admires are a part of. This separation of Dante and Virgil at the end of the Purgatorio shows that Dante must keep these two aspects discrete. Although Virgil does represent human reason, his writings, such as his 4th Eclogue, has hinted at events similar to those of the coming of Christ, making Virgil a sort of bridge between the two views that Dante holds dear.
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