The Divine Comedy is much more than an epic poem describing one man's interpretation of Paradise, Hell, and Purgatory. Written by the Italian poet Dante Alighieri, the Divine Comedy often alludes to the political unrest prevalent throughout 14th-century Italy, particularly in the city of Florence. During this period of Italian history, there was a lack of stable government and a power struggle between the Papacy and the Holy Roman Emperor. This article will analyze the political aspects within the Divine Comedy and its connection to religion, focusing in particular on Hell. During Dante's lifetime, two factions were in constant conflict with each other for control of his home of Florence; the Guelphs, supporters of the Pope, and the Ghibellines, who sided with the Holy Roman Empire (Norton, p. 1458). Eventually, the Guelphs, of whom Dante was a supporter, took power over Florence. However, the Guelphs would eventually feud with each other, which would drive a wedge between the groups, dividing them into two separate factions. The factions became known as the Whites, who supported the idea of ​​Florence remaining independent from any external or foreign entity, and the Blacks, who wanted to place Florence under the rule of the then Pope Boniface VIII. However, the Blacks gain control of Florence with the help of the Papacy, and Dante, being a member of the Whites, was exiled from Florence. During this period of Italian history, Catholicism was the dominant religion and reigned supreme among others. Progress in the Catholic faith was used as a means to secure political power in a divided region. Because religion and politics are strongly interconnected, the Pope has often been seen as the most influential politician. 05 December 2013. .Ferrante, Joan M. "Chapter 06, "Exchange and communication, commerce and language in the Comedy"" The political vision of the Divine Comedy. Princeton, NJ: Princeton UP, 1984. Page No. Digital Dante. Network. December 4, 2013. .Lawall, Sarah N. "Dante Alighieri." The Norton Anthology of Western Literature. 8th ed. vol. 1. New York: W.W. Norton, 2006. 1458. Print.Lawall, Sarah N. “The Divine Comedy: Inferno.” The Norton Anthology of Western Literature. 8th ed. vol. 1. New York: W. W. Norton, 2006. 1471-567. Print.Longfellow, HW "The Divine Comedy: Inferno - CANTO 32." The Divine Comedy: Inferno - CANTO 32. Saint Anslem College, nd Web. 05 December. 2013. .