In the poem, the Roman poet Virgil guides Dante through the nine circles of hell. The circles are concentric, representing a gradual increase in wickedness, and culminating at the center of the earth, where Satan is held in bondage.
Katika shairi, mshairi wa Roma Virgil anamwongoza Dante kwa njia ya mzunguko tisa Jahannamu. Duru yazidi kuwa nyeusi, ikiwakilisha ongezeko la uovu kwa taratibu, na kilele ki katikati mwa nchi, ambapo Shetani amewekwa mateka.