Analysis Of `` Inferno And Thomas More s Satirical...

Irony is a common technique used by authors to keep readers engaged and make them think critically. Irony is prominent in various areas of literature including dialogue, setting, characters, and theme.. Dante’s Inferno and Thomas More’s Utopia are perfect examples of the use of irony as they utilized the various techniques throughout their stories. There are a plethora of accounts where irony is apparent, including the sceneries, dialogue, and titles that are portrayed in their work. This essay will examine and compare the uses of irony in Dante Alighieri’s narrative poem, Inferno and Thomas More’s satirical dialogue, Utopia. Dante’s Inferno describes distinctive uses of irony through the punishments inflicted on the sinners of God. One example of irony in Dante’s Inferno is when Dante travels through the third circle of hell, which houses the gluttons. Gluttons endure the punishment of being stuck in filthy, foul smelling muck while they are continuously pelted with rain, hail, and snow. As stated in the Inferno, â€Å"Thick hail and dirty water mixed with snow come down in torrents through the murky air, and the earth is stinking from this soaking rain† (Canto 4; verse 10-12). This punishment is ironic because the Gluttons enjoyed the tastes, smells, and sight of good food while they were alive, which is the complete opposite of what they are experiencing in Hell. The foul smelling mud and clutter they are trapped in is a contrast to the food and luxury they enjoyed.