The perfection of divine justice and the appropriateness of the sinner’s punishments is emphasized in Dante’s “Inferno.” As a result, the concept of symbolic retribution is highlighted where it refers to the direct correlation of the nature of sins committed during a sinner’s earthly experience and the suffering incurred in the afterlife. Symbolic retribution is used as a thematic instrument enhancing the symbolism of the work as it mirrors the transgressions of persons against their shortcomings on earth as the narrator has varied experiences with people coming to terms with the reality of their punishment.
Sins are categorized into various circles of hell where the punishment in each circle is a direct reflection of the transgression committed, for instance, against God. Dante examines the implications of people’s shortcomings in line with the defiance of the divine authority. The implications of defiance against God’s will has severe moral implications on persons. An example is from Dante’s interaction with Capaneus who is presented as a blasphemous figure in Canto 14 exercising their free will of defiance against God even in the afterlife(Dante 126). Here the use of symbolic redemption shows the prolonged suffering that the character faces as an act of defiance as they continue to detest God’s power an act that mirrors the implications of his arrogance as a limited person. Also, symbolic retribution is used to highlight the implications of immoral acts against nature in light of the punishment for sodomy. Dante examines this through interactions they have with other sinful people in hell that show the severity of the punishment mirroring the sins committed. An example is the use of symbolism to illustrate the torment they face since they are exposed to burning rain as a result of their sinful actions(Dante 192). These examples illustrate the use of symbolic retribution in Dante’s work to illustrate the implications of moral transgression against God and the implication of defiance and sin against people’s lives.
The exploration of moral accountability through symbolic retribution is profound in the poem as evident in Dante’s encounter with users. These are persons who loaned money at high interest rates intentionally exploiting the financial capabilities of others who were in dire need of the funds at a particular moment. Dante uses symbolic retribution to mirror the fitting consequences that users face in their afterlife as they undergo intense physical suffering. Through vivid imagery the narrator highlights the physical torment that these users undergo as their eyes burst out with grief and also attempt to ward off the flames and burning sand that is upon them based on their moral flaws during their lives. Furthermore, the implication of users’ insatiable greed and attachment to material resources manifest as being overburdened in the afterlife by enormous bags hanging around their necks(Dante 147). It is a symbolic representation that is akin on their worldly experience of reaping off those who were financially troubled for personal benefit and gain. These users experience a sense of hopelessness and despair as a result of their situation in the afterlife and it reflects in their interactions with newcomers such as Dante as they are often bitter and helpless in acknowledgement of their fate. Ultimately, the integration of symbolic retribution reflects the moral consequences of individuals who exploit others for personal gain.
Dante analyzes the gravity of sins committed against the nature of punishment that the devil and others are exposed to though symbolic retribution. It is a powerful concept that is addressed through Dante’s encounter with Satan who is presented as a symbol of treachery and absolute evil. A key moment where symbolic retribution is revealed is during the descent of Dante and Vigil into hell where they come face to face with Satan’s physical appearance which represents the sins they bear. An example is Satan’s monstrous figure consisting of three faces each representing disloyalty to the Holy trinity and the six eyes exuding pus and bloody froth serve as a reflection a consequence of their action(Dante 292). Furthermore, the betrayal and defiance against God mirrors the eternal punishment that the devil and other sinful persons are exposed to as their sinful tendencies exposes them to eternal torment and suffering. The application of symbolic retribution is also illustrated in the treatment of sinners as Satan torments and devours sinners reflecting divine justice. It is an example that illustrates the condemnation of sinners to suffer under Satan’s authority as a result of their defiance and betrayal against the higher authority. These examples effectively illustrate the divine justice that sinners and Satan are exposed to as a result of their sinful habits and tendencies that manifest as betrayal against higher divine authority and humanity.
The application of symbolic retribution reflects punishments fitting to the sins committed against humanity. Those who have committed violent acts against others undergo violent experiences in Circle seven in Dante’s work. An example is the immersion of violent souls into a river of boiling blood a punishment that mirrors the violence these persons perpetuated against others in their lives before death(Inferno 12: 46-48). Additionally, the varying levels of the river also illustrate the varying intensity of pain and suffering sinners are exposed to as a result of their violent actions against others. Those who committed more heinous crimes against others are submerged deeper into the river as compared to the ones who did not commit serious crimes against others. More so, the banks are heavily guarded by guardian centaurs who patrol and shoot arrows at those who try to alter the intensity of their punishment by getting out of the river. These examples from the circle seven of hell convey the concept of symbolic retribution as punishment against violent souls mirror the nature of their sins.
Furthermore, symbolic retribution is highlighted through the nature of punishment and isolation sinners face. Dante explores the ultimate betrayal and isolation that the treacherous people face as an implication of the treacherous acts they committed against others. An example is the frozen lake of Cocytus, where the treacherous are submerged up to their necks, limiting their movement and ability to escape the ice, being a representation of their betrayal and disconnect from others(Dante 293). These treacherous souls were further condemned to the deepest circle of hell which reflects the spiritual and emotional isolation of the sinner similar to the emotions they elicited on their victims during their lives. The embodiment of symbolic retribution in condemning the treacherous souls reinforces the idea of divine justice among those who commit grave offences against others.
In conclusion, the use of symbolic retribution reinforces the moral lessons of accountability. Dante addresses this through various cycles that represent a particular category of sinners and their corresponding punishments. There are many examples in “Inferno” by Dante that embody symbolic retribution as various sinners undergo excruciating experiences as a form of punishment that mirror the sins they committed towards nature, God and others. These examples reinforce the need for moral accountability and reflection on the nature of one’s transgressions.
Work Cited
Dante Alighieri. “Canto 17: The Usurers.” Inferno, translated by John Ciardi, New American Library, 2003, p. 147.
Dante Alighieri. “Canto 14: The Blasphemers.” Inferno, translated by John Ciardi, New American Library, 2003, pp. 124-127.
Dante Alighieri. “Canto 15: The Sodomites.” Inferno, translated by John Ciardi, New American Library, 2003, p. 122-124.
Dante Alighieri. “Canto 34: Circle Nine, Satan and the Treacherous to Masters.” Inferno, translated by John Ciardi, New American Library, 2003, p. 291-293.
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