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What Are The Similarities Between Dante And The Birds

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The divine Comedy by Dante and The Conference of the Birds by Farid ud-Din Attar are both examples of medieval literature. Though the two works were written by authors with very different belief systems and cultures they share multiple similarities. These similarities include: a focus on spiritual development, use of metaphorical ideas and circumstances as integral plot devices, and the presence of a guiding mentor throughout the narrative. However, there are many differences between the two works, such as the concepts of god, the stages of their journey, and the style of guidance afforded by their mentors. It is both the similarities and the differences which make these two works classics of the medieval period. Both of these works focus around a central element, religious belief and spiritual growth, this is the basis for the journeys both Dante and the birds undertake. It is the context of these journeys which is different, Dante undertakes his journey at the urging of Virgil and Beatrice in …show more content…

Dante encounters nine circles in his path through the Inferno, each one dedicated to a sin or group of sinners. In the Conference of the birds they must travel through seven valleys each one representative of a virtue a follower of god should possess. These experiences are similar in that they represent stages of spiritual growth within the narrative, and both serve as obstacles between the main characters and god, “ before we reach our goal[…] the journeys seven valleys lie ahead.” (ʻAṭṭār 180) Another way the valleys are similar to the circles of hell is that each valley is a trial, and includes some hardship which must be overcome. While the circles of hell are not trails, rather they are punishments, there are some parallels between the circles and the valleys. For example the second circle, and the valley of love, or the third circle and the valley of

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