What does Dante mean by the term "the Divine Comedy"?

The term "the Divine Comedy" reflects the comprehensive narrative structure of Dante Alighieri's epic poem, which spans three realms of the afterlife: Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven. This journey through these divine locations serves not only as a physical exploration but also as a moral and spiritual odyssey. Each section of the poem is meticulously crafted to illustrate the nature of sin, redemption, and the ultimate divine order, culminating in a vision of God.

This journey is significant because it embodies Dante's theological views and offers commentary on the human condition, morality, and the pursuit of divine grace. The title itself indicates a blend of serious themes with an underlying sense of hope and eventual salvation, characteristic of comedy in the literary sense used in Dante's time. The narrative arc structured this way showcases the complete scope of Christian cosmology, making "the Divine Comedy" a fitting description of Dante's ambitious work.