The Divine Comedy reveals a lot about human nature, and it's difficult to touch on every single theme, desire, and emotion that Dante's work describes. However, if we look at the central goal of the story (to achieve spiritual atonement through a harrowing journey), we see one major part of human nature revealed: the desire for salvation. When the poem begins, Dante is wandering in a dark wood, apparently lost, directionless, and out of ideas. Somehow, his life seems to have gone off track, and he seems clueless when it comes to finding direction. The rest of the poem is Dante's quest to find salvation from this predicament, and the many trials and and tribulations that he weathers are all a necessary part of his efforts to leave behind the dark wood of his life.
Of course, in touching on humans' desire for salvation, the poem is first and foremost talking about Christian salvation; the poem is a Christian journey and is informed by classic Christian themes and philosophies. However, in drawing on mythology, literature, and history as well, Dante opens up his poem to being more than just a poem for Christians. Thus, though the salvation in the poem is primarily Christian, it's still possible to also see the theme in non-spiritual terms: at some point in life, no matter who you are, it's common to feel lost and confused and unable to find your way. In such situations, people yearn for salvation of one kind or another. Therefore, Dante's exploration of the search for salvation becomes a truly universal quest that any person could relate to.
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