* Author: Dante Alighieri
* Date: 1308-1321
* Genre: Epic poem
* Language: Italian
* Setting: Heaven, Purgatory, and Hell
* Purpose: To provide a moral and religious allegory of the human soul's journey to God
* Main Characters: Dante Alighieri, Virgil, Beatrice
Canterbury Tales
* Author: Geoffrey Chaucer
* Date: 1387-1400
* Genre: Frame narrative
* Language: Middle English
* Setting: Tabard Inn, London, and the road to Canterbury
* Purpose: To provide a satirical and humorous look at medieval society and to teach moral lessons
* Main Characters: Geoffrey Chaucer, the pilgrims
Comparison
The Divine Comedy and The Canterbury Tales are both considered to be two of the greatest works of literature in the Western tradition. Both works are written in verse, and both use allegory to convey their messages. However, there are also some important differences between the two works.
* The Divine Comedy is a much longer work than The Canterbury Tales. The Divine Comedy consists of over 14,000 lines, while The Canterbury Tales consists of just over 17,000 lines.
* The Divine Comedy is a much more serious work than The Canterbury Tales. The Divine Comedy is a religious and moral allegory, while The Canterbury Tales is a satirical and humorous work.
* The Divine Comedy is set in the afterlife, while The Canterbury Tales is set in medieval England.
Despite their differences, The Divine Comedy and The Canterbury Tales are both considered to be essential works of literature. They are both beautiful and well-written works of art, and they have both had a profound impact on Western culture.