A Comparative Analysis of Hell in James Joyce's "A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man" and Dante's "Divine Comedy". Juxtaposing Infernal Realms (PDF)

Essay from the year 2022 in the subject English Language and Literature Studies - Literature, grade: 7.5 (India), , language: English, abstract: This essay examines the comparative analysis of Hell as presented in James Joyce's "A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man" and Dante's "Divine Comedy". It explores the thematic, symbolic, and allegorical elements employed by the authors in their respective works. The essay provides a brief overview of the literary context and historical background of both texts, highlighting the significance of studying and comparing their depictions of Hell. It analyses Joyce's portrayal of Hell, focusing on characters, symbolism, and underlying themes such as guilt, sin, and redemption. Similarly, it delves into Dante's intricate depiction of Hell, exploring the nine circles, punishments, and theological aspects embedded within. The essay then offers a comparative analysis, discussing the shared themes and symbolic representations as well as the divergences influenced by cultural and personal contexts. Through this analysis, the essay enhances our understanding of Hell as a literary construct and illuminates the unique perspectives and artistic choices of Joyce and Dante.