What poetic structure does Dante utilize in Inferno?

Dante uses terza rima, which is a three-line rhyme scheme, in "Inferno." This poetic structure consists of interlocking tercets, traditionally written in iambic pentameter. The rhyme scheme follows an ABA BCB CDC pattern, creating a musical quality that contributes to the overall rhythm of the poem. This specific structure helps to propel the narrative forward while also allowing Dante to explore complex themes and ideas as he journeys through the circles of Hell. The arrangement of the tercets aligns with the poem's themes of order and divine justice, reflecting the structured nature of Dante's vision of the afterlife.

Other forms, such as the five-line stanza or quatrains, do not fit the rhyme pattern that Dante employs. Free verse lacks the rhythmic and structured qualities that terza rima provides, which would alter the poem's formal coherence and emotional impact. Thus, terza rima not only serves as a stylistic choice but also reinforces the thematic depth of Dante's work.