What does Dante find himself in upon awakening at the beginning of his journey?

At the beginning of his journey in "Dante's Inferno," Dante finds himself in the Dark Wood, which symbolizes confusion, sin, and the moral ambiguity of his life. This setting establishes the thematic foundation for the entire work. The Dark Wood represents a place of lostness, where Dante has strayed from the right path and is confronted by perilous beasts that embody various sins and obstacles he must overcome.

This initial setting is crucial as it marks the start of Dante's spiritual and moral journey through the afterlife. It serves as a powerful allegory for the human condition, illustrating the struggle between good and evil and the need for redemption. The choices of Paradise, Purgatory, or Inferno are significant locations in Dante's journey, but the Dark Wood is where his quest for understanding and salvation begins.