(Part 3) Inferno’s Modern Influences
Naturally, as one of the most renowned works of Western literature, “Inferno” is bound to have influenced the creative process of many a writer, filmmaker, and artist throughout the centuries. Its reach in religious philosophy made it a common subject for painters and theologians. In more recent times, the poem’s themes and story have been borrowed and modified to create new interpretations of the classic across various mediums.
In literature, the most obvious example of Dante’s influence is in the 1976 novel “Inferno”, by Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle. The plot follows a nearly identical structure, albeit revised with modern characters and settings. The most prominent change is the replacement of Virgil with Benito Mussolini. The inhabitants of Dante’s Hell lament their suffering whereas the souls of this new Hell are unconvinced of their deserved fate, often questioning God’s judgement. The novel comments on contemporary attitudes of the general public regarding religion.
A more notable novel by author Dan Brown, also titled “Inferno”, was released in 2013. The central story and themes had little to do with the original poem, and the work is mostly used as plot devices. The “Map of Hell”, a depiction of Dante’s Hell by Botticelli, and Dante’s own death mask play key roles in the narrative. A mediocre film adaptation, starring Tom Hanks, was released in 2016.
A video game adaptation of the classic poem was released in 2010 on the PS3, titled “Dante’s Inferno”. The plot retains many of the original characters, but takes extreme artistic liberty with their portrayal and roles in relation to the original. The themes of the original are abandoned altogether in favor of a bare-bones story that’s devoid of all subtlety and depth, fitting for a hack-and-slash game.
The small selection of modern takes on Dante’s “Inferno” above is indicative of a larger trend. The stories across these mediums lack the original’s themes and motifs, and instead choose to repurpose the setting for its unique and detailed environment. It’s rather disappointing considering the possibilities presented by the various elements present throughout the poem.
