This thesis examines the relevance of Dante Alighieri’s “Inferno” from his 14th-century, “The Divine Comedy,” in the context of the contemporary climate crisis. It begins by establishing the historical and literary background of Dante’s journey through the Inferno and the reason why he wrote the book. The initial section focuses on an in-depth analysis of Sandro Botticelli’s famous map of the Inferno, a visual depiction of Dante’s hell. This analysis explores the map’s historical significance, particularly its ties to the de’ Medici family, and examines the creation and conical structure of the drawing, situating it within the artistic and intellectual milieu of the Renaissance. This part also compares Botticelli’s map with existing scholarly work on the topic.
The second section introduces a novel element: a contemporary interpretation of the Inferno, represented through a map drawn by the author. Contrasting with Botticelli’s linear, hierarchical map, this modern version adopts a web-like structure, reflecting the interconnected nature of current global challenges. This section utilizes key texts such as Naomi Klein’s “On Fire,” John Tresch’s “Cosmogram,” and Donna Haraway’s “Staying with Trouble” to frame the interpretation of the contemporary map.
A comparative analysis between the author’s map and Botticelli’s highlights the evolution in our understanding of hierarchy, power, and crisis. The thesis then explores how Dante’s Inferno, with its diverse climates beyond the conventional imagery of fire, mirrors the complexity of the current climate crisis.
The thesis concludes by addressing the main question: How does rethinking Dante’s Inferno in a contemporary context provide valuable perspectives and strategies for tackling today’s climate crisis? This investigation aims to show that literary and artistic interpretations across different eras can offer insightful perspectives on contemporary challenges, advocating for a multidisciplinary approach to understanding and addressing the climate crisis.