salient political, cultural, and theological elements of Dante’s Inferno

What are the most salient political, cultural, and theological elements of Dante’s Inferno? What does it tell you about western European Mediterranean culture around 1300? What was important to Dante and how he articulates his values in this book?
Paper instructions:
Organize your answers carefully. Provide Examples and chronological references. Do not be reluctant to voice your own opinion