Let's start with the Overview and the Vestibule of Hell (summaries in italics are mine)...
Dante, "halfway along our life's path," finds himself lost in a dark wood in front of a mountain, beset by three beasts - a lion, a leopard, and a she-wolf. Thus, he cannot find the right way to salvation.
Of course Dante represents Astros fans. We were lost in a dark wood in front of Tal's Hill. Clearly the lion, leopard and she-wolf represents Drayton, Tal Smith, and Pam Gardner. Salvation was nowhere to be found.
Dante knows that he is ruining himself and is rescued by Virgil where the two of them begin their travels through the underworld. As they pass through the gate of Hell, Dante notices a sign in which the final line of the inscription is "Lasciate ogne speranza, voi ch'intrate" or:
Before entering Hell, Dante and Virgil see the Uncommitted - those who did nothing good or evil. They are not in Hell, but they're not out of Hell, either. The punishment of the Uncommitted is to be pursued or stung by wasps or hornets that continually sting them, among other punishments.
Perhaps you remember this, from July 2, 2009:
Dante and Virgil reach the ferry that will take them to Hell. Charon - the pilot - doesn't want to let Dante enter because he is still alive. Dante faints and wakes up in Hell.
Next week: Limbo!
