Saturday, January 25, 2020

How Do Organisations Build Customer Relationships?

How Do Organisations Build Customer Relationships? Why do organisations seek to build relationships with customers and how do they successfully develop such relationships? Terms of Reference In the pursuit of my studies for a degree in â€Å"Business Studies and Marketing,† and to aid my chosen career development and progression in the future, I have selected a specific area of marketing as the topic for this dissertation, this relating to the concept of customer relationships development and, in particular, the determination of why this is so important to organisations and what comprises a successful marketing strategy to achieve these ends. There has been a considerable amount of literature related to the issue of customer relationships and its management, which covers areas including the use of branding and brand loyalty as part of the market strategy needed to create such relationships. In addition, although almost as a separate issue, other empirical researches have been undertaken into the study of the consumer practical and psychological buying determinants. However, as Jerry Zaltman (2003) states in introducing his consumer research â€Å"too many marketers don’t understand how their own and their customers minds interact.† The purpose of this dissertation is to take a closer look at the level of interaction that should exist between the two areas of research and endeavour to determine how a greater level of research and understanding of the consumer buying determinants can be used to enhance the successful creation of the consumer relationship management strategy objectives of the firm. In order to provide a greater understanding of this subject, the dissertation will focus on the following objectives: Provide an understanding of customer buying determinates Define the term â€Å"customer relationship† and the benefits that building such relationships provide for the corporation Identify how an understanding can assist in the development of a firm’s customer relationship strategy and management. Literature Review As Zaltman (2003) and Evans et al (2006) suggest, understanding consumer psychology and buying determinates should be a pre-requisite for building successful brand strategies that lead to the building and managing of successful customer relationships, although this is not always deemed to be the case. Therefore, the literature review for this dissertation will concentrate upon three main aspects of this subject, this being consumer behavioural determinates, branding and consumer loyalty and retention, and customer relationship management and the tools used Consumer behaviour determinates Consumer behaviour is driven, consciously or sub-consciously, by a combinations of emotional, physical and psychological elements. This includes experience created memories, both past and present, which are used to judge the quality and appropriateness of a purchase to the consumers needs and satisfaction, as Bagozzi et al (2002), Zaltman et al (2002) and Evans et al (2006) explain at length in their studies. As this research further stresses, the memory element is an important element of the study as it creates the perception that consumers associate with the product or service. The involvement of habit, peer pressure and demographics are other important consumer determinants that organisations need to consider. For example, being subjected to family influences, following the pack, a peer pressure that is particularly relevant to the younger age group, are all parts of the consumer decision-making process. As Zaltman (2003) and Evans et al (2006) discovered, evidence of the successful integration of these determinates to entice consumers to products can be found in the adoption of nostalgic advertising and â€Å"fad† promotion using celebrity endorsement. These also help to retain the consumer’s custom in the case of new products (Arnold 1992). Demographics, in the form of targeting, determines which customer segment or group of segments is most likely to need or desire the product (Arnold 1992 and Stroud 2005), for example, dividing the consumer into age groups of appropriate value to the product being marketed. However, it has also been sugge sted that there is, within the consumer determinant, the need to consider the impact that emotional attachment to the product can have upon the consumer decision-making process and loyalty (Durgee 1999, Shrimp and Madden 198 and Thomson et al 2005). The study and researching of all these determinants, together with the issues of trust and confidence, are important if an organisation wants to create a successful relationship strategy with the consumer because, as (Kelly 2005) states, the purchase is only confirming that these have been met in the mind of the consumer. Branding and loyalty Commercial organisations attract consumers to their products by the method known as Branding, endeavouring to create an automatic and lasting consumer reaction in terms of perception and association, as found with McDonalds equating to burgers, (Haig 2004). The art and purpose of branding can therefore be seen to have two main purposes. The first of these relates to quality, standard and reputation (Kolter 2002), which is important to repeat purchase (Kolter 2002 and Kracklauer et al 2003), and the second is to achieve a dominant market position (Buttle 2004 and Bruhn 2006). Experts are of the opinion that there are two important aspect to focus upon when developing a branding strategy within CRM, the first of which is its usage in the process of targeting and forming a connection with the consumer, which is need to create a foundation for a relationship that can be nurtured over time. An essential part of the targeting process is research into demographics and segmentation, a task by which the marketer is able to closely identify which customer segment or group of segments is most likely to be attracted to the product because of need, desire, emotional attachment or financial capability. Arnold (1992 and Stoud (2005) have suggested that, with many marketers, some segments, such as the older age groups are overlooked, irrespective of the recorded increase in their disposable incomes. The second aspect when developing branding strategy is related to longevity. As the downfall of Marks and Spencer PLC in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s evidenced, brands have a short life and need undated to retain their relevance, both in terms of physical appearance and connection with the changes in consumer needs and perceptions (Floor 2006 and Haig 2004). Loyalty and retention Floor’s (2006) research states, â€Å"as long as the†¦ experience matches the brand identity, the consumer will come back.† This is known as the loyalty factor. Customer loyalty can be achieved in a number of ways. This includes the traditional methods of special offers, saver and store cards (Kracklauer 2003: 5; Buttle 2004: 10 and Bruhn 2006: 15). The concept here is that, whilst the customer derives benefit the store itself benefits from constant contact with the customer, as a result of these services, it acquires a considerable amount of research data about the customer. This is essential if a business wants to improve and better manage the customer relationship management system. Customer Relationship Management The potential conclusion from the above is that the marketer has to incorporate consumer determinants, branding and loyalty into a customer relationship designed to achieve the business objectives of increased product sales (Zaltman 2003). The crux of customer relationship management is the importance of every customer, recognising that a lost customer costs (Kracklauer et al 2003 and Buttle 2004). Therefore it is important to build a relationship and bond with each consumer (Kelly 2005 and Bruhn 2006). However, to ensure that this relationship building is approached in the correct manner, it is important to ensure that the firm and its marketers are fully cognisant of the factors that need to form the foundation of their research. As can be observed from the explanations given earlier this includes consumer behaviour and loyalty, but also the effect that â€Å"brand love† has upon this element of the relationship. CRM Tools There are a number of Branding and Loyalty tools that the CRM process can use to continue developing the relationship between organisations and customers. Loyalty cards are one possibility for data collection, which is essential in CRM (Buttle 2004). This data can be used to aid understanding of changing consumer needs and desires, directing them to purchase other products and as a basis for designing future promotional and marketing campaigns (Bruhn 2006 and Kracklauer 2006). If the relationship is close, the customer will also recommend the business, thus helping increase market share. Data Sources It was decided that the data sources being used for this dissertations will be a combination of a qualitative and quantitative nature. The reason for this is that the secondary data can be used as a means of comparison and evaluation of the primary data. Primary Data The intention is to collect primary data using a process of structured questionnaires. The questions will be designed around a combination of the â€Å"closed† and â€Å"open† format with the intention of these being directed to the areas that require an affirmative or negative response in terms of the former and a multiple choice option for the latter. It is also intended to provide additional spacing within which the interviewees can add personal comments if considered appropriate. The intention, time and resources permitting, is to distribute around 150 questionnaires and interviews, of which 25 will be directed to employees at all levels within the retailing industry and the remainder to consumers across a wide range of age and lifestyle segmentations. This mode of distribution has been chosen for two purposes. The first is to test the comment about lack of connection of minds between consumers and marketers mention by Zaltman (2003) and the second is to provide practical evidence of the consumer buying determinates used within the decision-making process. Clear definition of the reason for the questionnaire and the purposes for which it will be used will be included in explanatory notes. Space will also be provided with each answer to allow for comments that the respondents may wish to add. In addition, and in order to comply with data and identity protection, there will be no identifying questions included apart from age, occupation and other non-personally descriptive issues. Secondary data From a practical viewpoint, and in particular to be utilised for comparative purposes in respect of the authors own qualitative research, data from newspapers and periodicals, as well as the results of previously relevant surveys will be researched and included. The benefit of the gathering of extensive secondary data is that it can be useful for the purpose of cross referencing and evaluation of accuracy and compatibility. Methodology The methodology being used for this research can be summarised as follows. The initial period of time allocated to the research will be utilised in the gathering of data from external sources and analysing the relevance to the subject matter. This will additionally be useful in the preparation of the questionnaire to be used for the collection of primary data. Once this data has been collected, the draft and final questionnaires will be prepared and distributed. During the time required for the return of completed questionnaires, work will be commenced on areas of the dissertation, such as the literature review. Once the questionnaires have been returned and analysed using the Excel programme, these will be introduced to the dissertation to enable the analysis of the responses and findings. It is anticipated that, during the preparation of the study, additional secondary data may be required. Where this is appropriate, it will be collected and added to the existing references indicated at the closure of this proposal. Project Framework Although during the course of the dissertations preparation the final project framework may be subject to change the current intention, in order to create a logical and sequential progression for the study, is to base the project around the following breakdown of chapters: Chapter 1. Introduction In order to provide the reader with a clear understanding of the purpose and direction of the dissertation, this chapter will serve as an introduction to the subject matter. It will therefore include a brief definition of the term customer buying determinants and how this theory fits within the wider concept of consumer relationship management. In addition, a brief overview of the aims and objectives of the research will be included. Within this chapter a clear hypothesis for the research will also be set. Chapter 2. Literature Review In research of this nature it is important that the findings be founded, set against, and compared with existing literature relating to the subject. Therefore, a critical review of literature will be conducted in this chapter, which is intended to cover the research into all aspects of consumer behavioural determinates, branding and consumer loyalty and retention and customer relationship management. Chapter 3. Methodology In a step-by-step process, chapter three will be used to explain the methods used for the preparation and execution of the dissertation. This will include my reasoning for the data collection methods, which relates to both primary and secondary sources, the origination of the data and the methods by which it was to be analysed and assimilated into the final study. Furthermore, the limitations of my research will also be included within this chapter. Chapter 4. Results and Findings In chapter four it is intended to analyse the results of my findings into the areas that have been studied, in a manner that will the reader with an understanding and explanation of the basis upon which the conclusions of the research has been derived. For ease of understanding and explanation statistical and graphical diagrams will be used where appropriate, particular in explaining the results of the primary research. Chapter 5. Analysis and discussion Using the findings form the primary and secondary sources outlined in chapter 4, this chapter will further analyse those results and discuss the affect that these have upon the interrelationship between consumer determinants, branding, brand loyalty and the commercial CRM strategy process in general. Furthermore, the discussion will outline the commercial benefits of combining these two disciplines for the purpose of marketing strategy. Chapter 6. Conclusion Chapter six brings the research to a conclusion. This section will convey to the reader whether the research conducted has proved or disproved the hypothesis presented in the introduction. In addition, recommendations in respect of further area of research required and actions that corporations should take as a result of the findings will also be outlined within this concluding chapter. Other comments The intention of this dissertation is to add value to the existing research that has been conducted into the fields of consumer determinants and customer relationship management (CRM), in particular in respect of identifying the beneficial impact that building relationships with customers has for the corporations, together with the practical ways that the result of consumer determinants research can be added to the practical elements of marketing research into branding, consumer relationship and loyalty can be used as a further tool to enhance the success of their promotional strategy in this area. References   Arnold D (1992). The Handbook of Brand Management. Century Business: The Economist Books. London, UK. Bagozzi, Richard P. Gurhan-Canli, Zeynep and Priester, Joseph R (2002). The Social Pyschology of Consumer Behaviour. Open University Press. Buckingham, UK. Bailey, Craig (2005). Unlocking the Value of Your Customer Satisfaction Surveys. CRM Today, May 2005. Bruhn, Manfred (2006). Service Marketing: Managing the Service Value Chain. Pearson Education. Harlow, UK. Buttle, Francis (2004). Customer Relationship Managements. Elsevier Butterworth-Heinemann. Oxford, UK Durgee, J.F. (1999). Deep soulful satisfaction. Journal of Consumer Satisfaction, Dissatisfaction and Complaining Behaviour, 12, 53 – 63. Evans, Martin. Jamal, Ahmed and Foxall, Gordon (2006). Consumer Behaviour. John Wiley Sons Ltd. Chichester, UK. Floor, Ko (2006). Branding a Store: How to Build Successful Retail Brands in a Changing Marketplace. Kogan Page Ltd. London, UK. Fournier, S. (1998). Consumers and their brands: developing relationship theory in consumer research. Journal of Consumer Research. Vol. 24. pp.343 – 373. Haig, Matt (2004) Brand Failures: The Truth about the 100 Biggest Branding Mistakes of All Time. Kogan Page Ltd. London, UK. Kelly, Sean. (2005). Customer intelligence From Data to Dialogue. John Wiley Sons Ltd. Chichester, UK. Kolter, Phillip (2002). Marketing Management. 11th edition. FT Prentice Hall. London. UK. Kracklauer, Alexander H., Mills, Daniel, Q and Seifert (2003). Collaborative Customer Relationship Management: Taking CRM to the Next Level. Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg. New York, US Oliver, R.L. (1999). Whence consumer loyalty? Journal of Marketing, 63 (Special Issue), pp.33 – 44. Oliver, R.L., Rust, R.T., Varki, S. (1997). Customer delight: foundations, findings, and managerial insight. Journal of Retailing, 73, 311 – 36. Reichheld, F. and Sasser, W. (1990) Zero defects: quality comes to services. Harvard Business Review, Sept-Oct, 1990, pp 105-111 Shimp, T.A., Madden, T.J. (1988). Consumer-object relations: a conceptual framework based analogously on Stermberg’s triangular theory of love. In: Houston M.J. (ed), Advances in consumer research, Provo, UT: Association for Consumer Research, vol. 15 pp. 163 – 168. Stroud, Dick. (2005) The 50 Plus Market: Why the Future is Age-neutral when it comes to Marketing and Branding Strategies. Kogan Page Ltd. Chichester, UK Thomson, M., McGinnis, D.J., Park, C.W. (2005). The ties that bind: measuring the strength of consumer’s emotional attachment to brands. Journal of Consumer Psychology, 15, 77 – 91. Zaltman, Jerry (2003) How Customers Think. Essential Insights into the mind of the market. Harvard Business School Press. Massachusetts, US.

Friday, January 17, 2020

Attributes of Allah

Allah is the proper name of God, however, we know Him generally through His attributes. These attributes describe how Allah manifests Himself to us. God's attributes are innumerable since human intellect cannot possibly comprehend every aspect of the Supreme Being. A Hadith of the Holy Prophet (peace be on him) makes mention of Ninety Nine names of Allah commonly known as al- Asmaul Husna, the Most Names. In the Holy Quran we read: â€Å"And to Allah alone belong all perfect attributes. So call Him by these. And leave alone those who deviate from the right way with respect to His Attributes. † (7:181). â€Å"Allah – there is no God but He, the Living, the Self-Subsisting and All-Sustaining. Slumber seizes Him not, nor sleep. To Him belongs whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth. Who is he that will intercede with Him except by His permission? He knows what is before them and what is behind them; and they encompass nothing of His knowledge except what He pleases. His knowledge extends over the heavens and the earth; and the care of them burdens Him not;and He is the High, the Great. † (2:256) Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The similitude of His light is a lustrous niche, wherein is a lamp. The lamp is in a glass. The glass is as it were a glittering star. It is lit from blessed tree – an olive – neither of the east nor of the west, whose oil would well-nigh glow forth even though fire touched it not. Light upon light! Allah guides to His light whomsoever He will. And Allah sets forth parables to men, and Allah know all things full well. This light is now lit in houses with regard to which Allah has ordained that they be exalted and that His name be remembered in them, Therein is He glorified in the mornings and the evenings (24:36-37) â€Å"He is Allah, and there is no God beside Him, the Knower of the unseen and the seen. He is Gracious, the Merciful. He is Allah, and there is no God beside Him, the Sovereign, the Holy One, the Source of Peace, the Bestower of Security, the Protector, the Mighty, the Subduer, the Exalted. Holy is Allah far above that which they associate with Him. He is Allah, the Creator, the Maker, the Fashioner. His are the most Beautiful Names. All that is in the heavens and the earth glorifies Him, and He is the Mighty the Wise. (59: 23-25) Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated: The Holy Prophet (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him) said, â€Å"Allah has ninety nine Names, one hundred less one; and who memorized them all by heart will enter Paradise. † (Bukhari, The Book of Tauhid.

Thursday, January 9, 2020

Spenser and Shakespeare Contrasting Approaches to Sonnets

Spenser and Shakespeare: Contrasting Approaches to Sonnets For over many centuries, countless poets have chosen to interpret their thoughts, sentiments and concepts through sonnets as opposed to other varying forms of poetry. Invented in Europe and perfected by Petrarch around the XIV century, the sonnet is considered to be the longest lived form of poetry and has since influenced the works and minds of succeeding artists such as Edmund Spenser and William Shakespeare. Thus, by observing Spenser’s Sonnet LXXV and Shakespeare’s Sonnet 55, it can be deduced that both poets have adopted the structure of sonnets to arouse emotions and imagination, but have taken different perspectives in doing so. Therefore, by means of comparing and†¦show more content†¦For example, one of the lines states: â€Å"Nor Mars his sword, no warres quick fire shall burne: the living record of your memory†, which reinforces her immortal memory by comparing her to the sword of Mars, the god of war. With this, he adds: â€Å"So till the j udgement that your selfe arise, you live in this, and dwell in lovers eies†. Thus, the memory of his lover is so strong, that even when she has died, her memory will live on through his powerful rhyme and others who read it will remain absorbed with her essence. In brief, Spenser and Shakespeare succeeded in interpreting the theme of immortalized love; yet after analysing the two sonnets, it is evident that both took different approaches of comparison to achieve their goal. Furthermore, both Sonnet LXXV and Sonnet 55 also differ in their given form and structure. In this case, Spenser’s sonnets were known to have their own specific format, which led to the emergence of the Spenserian sonnet. Spenserian sonnets were a variant on the traditional English format, but still possessed three quatrains and one couplet. However, the slight variation was found in the unique interlocking rhyme scheme: ABAB BCBC CDCD EE. This rhyme scheme is also established in Sonnet LXXV. To add, the poem was written with an iambic pentameter rhythm, meaning there are five feet in every line. Each foot contains two syllables with an unstressed (X)/stressed (–) pattern which make up the metre of the poem: x – x –Show MoreRelatedWilliam Shakespeare s Sonnet 642006 Words   |  9 PagesSonnets hold more detail and depth than can be easily noted in a first reading. Due to their strict structure and short length, a lot of thought must be put into the words chosen by the poets. Edmund Spenser and William Shakespeare exemplify the idea of sonnet diction being a vital part of the poem. This is especially true in the cases of Shakespeare’s Sonnet 130 and Spenser’s Sonnet 64. Both sonnets feature a strong focus on a female beloved and her appearance. The two authors have different approaches

Wednesday, January 1, 2020

Literary Analysis Dantes Inferno Essay - 837 Words

Dante’s work Inferno is a vivid walkthrough the depths of hell and invokes much imagery, contemplation and feeling. Dante’s work beautifully constructs a full sensory depiction of hell and the souls he encounters along the journey. In many instances within the work the reader arrives at a crossroads for interpretation and discussion. Canto XI offers one such crux in which Dante asks the question of why there is a separation between the upper levels of hell and the lower levels of hell. By discussing the text, examining its implications and interpretations, conclusions can be drawn about why there is delineation between the upper and lower levels and the rationale behind the separation. Canto XI serves the purpose in a twofold way;†¦show more content†¦These questions rouse the idea of a divine and perfect punishment by the ultimate judge God, and implications of possible imperfections of God’s judgment. Also the way in which the question is answered poses another question, why is Aristotle, a human, and a Pre-Christian is thinker is used to explain God’s divine and perfect judgment? The text answers the question in a direct way using the works of Aristotle, â€Å"How his Ethics describes, and deals with at length, the three dispositions rejected by Heaven, Incontinence, malice, and bestial rage and how one of these offends God less and so incurs less blame?† (Canto XI 80-83). At this explanation a reader could draw the conclusion that God’s judgment is merciful and perfect. The question though still remains, if those of previous levels offend God less why do they still incur such a horrible punishment? This question leaves implications that God’s punishment might not be perfect and just. In previous cantos Dante seems to have developed some pity for those shades he has met in previous circles, such as Ciacco, and Francesca. He sympathizes with those damned almost as if he is realizing his own sins of his world. The implications of an imperfect and unjust God can ripple right to the very core of our own existence. If god is not perfect thenShow MoreRelatedAnalysis Of Dante Alighieri s Inferno 1556 Words   |  7 PagesThe title of the reading that I chose to do a literary analysis on is Inferno by Dante Alighieri. What was this book about and what message does this particular ancient poem aim to explain? This epic poem was written in the fourteenth century and there were a lot of commentary involved in the story itself. Dante’s Inferno is widely seen as one of the greatest epics to ever grace textbooks. The text itself throughout this story speaks much to the concept of life and death and what the afterlife isRead MoreHow Dante Achieves a Synthesis Between Narrative and Cultural Elements in His Writing1565 Words   |  6 PagesChristian audience. Medieval literature in general attempted to do this and Dante was no different with regard to this in his copying of Virg il and the Aeneid in their depictions of hell in pagan mythology. Analysis There are a host of specific examples from pagan mythology in the Inferno. For instance, in Canto 15, we see Dante leaving the wood of suicides. The people there do not have a chance to assume a new metamorphosis form due the heinousness of the crime of suicide (Aligheri and LombardoRead MoreDantes Francesca and Paolo: She Loves You, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah1430 Words   |  6 PagesFoundations 100 28 September 1308 Dantes Francesca and Paolo: She Loves You, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah In Canto V of The Inferno, Dante offers what seems to be a sympathetic portrait of two medieval lovers caught and condemned after re-enacting a passionate scene from Arthurian Romance. A modern reader might well find the story of Francesca da Rimini and Paolo Malatesta moving, especially when the narrator himself swoons with pity at the cantos end. It is true that in Dantes ethical scheme, the sin of PaoloRead MoreInferno Research Paper1715 Words   |  7 PagesInferno Research Paper Anthony K. Cassell stated in his critical essay titled â€Å"Farinata† that â€Å"the methods of punishment in Dante’s Hell are exquisitely diverse.† The cantos in Inferno are focused on Circles or subdivisions of Hell that describe specific punishments for the suffering souls based upon the sin they committed. The deeper into Hell, the worse the sins that were committed, therefore the agonies of the punishments are greater. In Inferno, Dante brings the issue of sin into light by givingRead MoreDantean Allegory In Dante And Joyces Inferno973 Words   |  4 PagesThe key to appreciating Joyce’s use of Dantean allegory is found in identifying the relevant Joycean motifs, the recurrent thematic conceits informing his characters and their philosophies. One method of analysis, which highlights the verity and significance of a shared allegory of paralysis in Dante and Joyce, demonstrates the strength of the claim by means of reviewing the weakest possible exam ples. In this way, one examines individual Joycean images (however much they are repeated throughout theRead MoreThe Bond of Communion: An Analysis of the Communal Bonds throughout Dantes Inferno1322 Words   |  6 PagesThe Bond of Communion: An Analysis of the Communal bonds throughout Dante Alighieri’s The Inferno Human beings are odd creatures, possessing abilities no other living species have. These abilities being Intelligence, Reason, and Free Will. These attributes allow human beings to value and destroy whatever they deem necessary to them. One of the most valuable things to a human being is the communal bond. This bond comes in many shapes and forms and is ultimately a form of love, and is usually a connectionRead MoreAn Analysis of Statius Role in Dantes Purgatorio1290 Words   |  5 PagesAn Analysis of Statius Role in Dantes Purgatorio While there is no historical evidence proving that Statius the Latin poet ever converted to Christianity, it is convenient for Dante to imagine such a conversion for it confirms one of the medieval poets beliefs namely, that poetry is a gateway to God and that Virgil is a worthy guide. This paper will show how Dante chooses to use Statius as a Roman poet in the mold of Virgil, who is yet saved by his belief in the Redemption of Jesus Christ whoseRead MoreDante s Inferno : The Inferno1704 Words   |  7 Pages Dante Inferno Ellen Dukes Professor Reynolds December 4, 2015 Dante s Inferno The book Dante s Inferno or is commonly known as Dante s Hell dwells in many issues that are true in today society and is entertaining and thought provocative to the reader. This book shows that Dante’s life, as strange and different as it reads, is no more different than many people’s lives today. The expeditions that Dante takes after he is lost and confused in the gloomy forest and on his way met by VirgilRead MoreVirgil Analysis of Dante Inferno Essay example2202 Words   |  9 Pagesand Purgatory.   Since the poet Virgil lived before Christianity, he dwells in Limbo (Ante-Inferno) with other righteous non-Christians.   As author, Dante chooses the character Virgil to act as his guide because he admired Virgils work above all other poets and because Virgil had written of a similar journey through the underworld.   Thus, Virgils character knows the way through Hell and can act as Dantes knowledgeable guide while he struggles alongside Dante when they enter Pur gatory together forRead More Francescas Style in Canto V of Dantes Inferno Essay5060 Words   |  21 PagesFrancescas Style in Canto V of Dantes Inferno Canto V of Dantes Inferno begins and ends with confession. The frightening image of Minos who  «confesses » the damned sinners and then hurls them down to their eternal punishment contrasts with the almost familial image of Francesca and Dante, who confess to one another. In a real sense confession seems to be defective or inadequate in Hell. The huddled masses who declare their sins to Minos do so because they are compelled to declare