'The Divine Comedy' is an epic poem written by Dante Alighieri between 1308 and his death in 1321. It is widely considered one of the greatest works of world literature and is composed of three parts: Inferno (Hell), Purgatorio (Purgatory), and Paradiso (Paradise). The poem describes Dante's journey through Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise, guided first by the Roman poet Virgil and then by Beatrice, a symbol of divine love. The work is renowned for its imaginative vision of the afterlife, its rich allegorical interpretation of Christian ethics and theology, and its critique of contemporary politics and society. 'The Divine Comedy' is also notable for its use of the Tuscan dialect, which contributed significantly to the standardization of the Italian language.