Dante's Inferno and his story of the trip through hell are very relevant to the modern world's views on sins. There are many issues in The Divine Comedy that are as significant today as they were when Dante wrote his comedy. Although some views discussed are not common to everyone, such views are still evident in current society. Even in today's world, many people go through a journey just like the one Dante describes. The same sins worthy of hell in Dante's time are still considered sins by some people today.
             The significance of Dante's hell to today's society is visible from the very first canto. Here, Dante is wandering in a dark forest, having lost his way on the true path. "Midway along the journey of our life I woke to find myself in a dark wood, for I had wandered off from the straight path (67.1)." This line may represent a psychological suffering of many people who become depressed and unsure of their place in life. Many people must go on a journey within themselves in order to overcome fears or questions in their lives. This journey of self-discovery is not always a pleasant one. Dante was forced to go through the circles of hell and face all the horrors so he could safely leave the dark wood. Dante was fortunate enough to have Virgil to guide him on his way. Many are not lucky enough to have a guide in their darkest times. The journey through darkness is a lonely one for some. Dante's expedition is one in which he faced and described as what he perceived to be the sins of the world.
             It is in the entrance of hell that Dante met some of the unfortunates who were on the edge of hell. These people who were not actually in hell itself were the ones who were considered too stupid to have made a difference in anyone's life. They were constantly running in circles unable to make a choice. They were so insignificant that there were not considered good enough...