Preview

Justice In Dante's Inferno

Good Essays
Open Document
Open Document
697 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
Justice In Dante's Inferno
In Dante’s the Inferno, it is a tale about Dante going through the various circles of Hell, but throughout the background of the whole epic, God’s justice shines brightly. While the focal point of the epic is to show the journey of Dante, the justice of God becomes evident. It is a truly unforgiving and cruel object, but in good reason, to condemn sinners. Whether it is in the fitting punishments handed to the sinners, the demons that condemn them, or even Hell as a whole, God’s unforgiving justice is displayed front and center. One of the primary ways God’s justice is shown is through the contrapasso, or fitting punishment the sinner is given. In this, there are a multitude of possibilities in showing how it functions, however some are more clear than others. One of …show more content…
Their severity in one side or the other, being hoarding or wasting, brings them to their fitting punishment. In all of these various punishments, and including the many that are not specifically mentioned, God’s justice begins to shine. In all of these occasions in which God punishes the sinner with a fitting consequence for their actions, it is in just reason. Every single punishment that is given out by God faces the sinner with their own sin. In other words, they have to be face to face with exactly what they did wrong. Through this, it makes it evident that in God’s justice there is absolutely no forgiveness for the sinners. The absolute best case scenario that can happen for one of these sinners in that all they not believe in God and be faced with grief of not knowing him. If they do not fall into that category, and fall into one of the worse circles in Hell, like treachery, then the sinner will face the terrible contrapasso that they deserve. Along with this, the fact that there is no hope is another aspect of God’s unrelenting justice that can be identified in the punishments. That part is found all throughout the descriptions of punishments, with the use of phrases like “roll his
Continue Reading
View Writing Issues

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Powerful Essays

    Song Of Roland And Dante's Inferno
    • 1526 Words
    • 7 Pages

    Song Of Roland And Dante's Inferno

    evil. The theme of God is seen the same in both stories, but good and evil are told different between the two stories. In the two stories the main characters Dante and Roland are forced to go on a journey within themselves, in order to overcome fears affecting their lives to the wills of Gods and Satan, representing justice. In Dante's walk through Hell, God's justice is strongly specific, balanced, and precise. As the story goes on, in many scenes Dante becomes less and less wise toward pity for the sinners, drawing to the conclusion that to pity their suffering is to disobey a lack of understanding of God's. God in the Inferno is seen to be the all-powerful and all-good; the same is assumed by the Roland in The Song of Roland. This is proven for example in the scene where it was decided at Ganelons trial by the verdict of his fate. “whatever Roland may have done to Ganelon, The act of serving you should have protected him. Ganelon is a traitor in that he betrayed him. (Thierry)” The behavior and acts of God is unconsciously put in the medieval mindset. Characters in The Song of Roland assume that God will step in events. They believe God will supposedly guide man in the right. And even though evil things happen, the epic manages to turn these events into part of God's…

    • 1526 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Powerful Essays
    Read More
  • Powerful Essays

    Divine Justice In Dante's Inferno
    • 1822 Words
    • 8 Pages

    Divine Justice In Dante's Inferno

    The story of Dante’s Divine Comedy is one that is now read throughout the world and is highly regarded as one of the great literary works of all time. The most famous of the Divine Comedy, the Inferno, is the story of Dante’s journey through Hell. With the great poet, Virgil, as his guide, they make their way through the nine circle of Hell in which Dante describes. While, very much a religious work, it is also just as political in substance because of the ways in which Dante draws on his life experiences to influence and shape his version of Hell. His descriptions of Hell are still wildly popular and oftentimes form the basis of how modern day societies view Hell. An example of this lasting popularity is the 2010 video game in which the…

    • 1822 Words
    • 8 Pages
    Powerful Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    The Role Of Punishment In Dante's Inferno
    • 302 Words
    • 2 Pages

    The Role Of Punishment In Dante's Inferno

    Dante sought to show that the Roman people had acquired their ‘world empire’ by divine right. By doing so, according to Joseph Canning, Dante gave “powerful expression to the myth of Rome, deploying a mass of republican and imperial examples drawn from Roman history and literature”. Dante reasoned that Rome’s divinely ordained authority was demonstrated by Christ’s birth during the Roman Empire. He claimed that Christ “willed to be born of the Virgin Mary under an edict of the Roman authority”. “Therefore”, he continues “Christ signified by his coming that the edict given by Augustus, under the authority of the Romans, was just”. Furthermore, Dante maintained that Rome’s divine authority was verified by Christ’s submission to Roman punishment, as “punishment is not merely the infliction of an injury, but an injury inflicted by someone who has penal…

    • 302 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Dante's Changing Attitude in Dante's Inferno
    • 920 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Dante's Changing Attitude in Dante's Inferno

    “The Inferno” is an epic poem following the journey of Dante a mortal man who was guided through the many circles of Hell. Through his experiences he learns that divine retribution is pure justice of God; for all the punishment the tormented souls endure in Hell corresponds to whatever sins they have committed in life. Every circle in hell has an assigned punishment for the corresponding sinners within them. At the beginning of Dante’s journey he was horrified and felt pity and compassion toward the tortured souls he encountered. Through his journey Dante’s attitude changes from pity and compassion to ridiculing and wishing more punishment of divine retribution upon the sinners within the circles of hell. Through my essay I will discuss cantos V, VIII, and XXXII.…

    • 920 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Forgiveness By June Callwood Analysis
    • 1592 Words
    • 7 Pages

    Forgiveness By June Callwood Analysis

    Conversely, it is also written in the Bible, “But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life” (Exod. 21.23). So the Bible teaches the importance of forgiving others as well as punishing an evildoer who committed a great offense. Some people may think that punishment is the same as revenge, but they are not. The Bible clarifies, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. …” (Matt. 5.38-39). In this world, kinds of wickedness exist such as deception, harassment, discrimination, adultery, theft, treason, murder, terrorism, and many more. Although they range from minor to major, they are all called sins. This existence is known by the law, which explains why rules have been created to match every identified wrong doing. It is a difficult task to define what a little mistake is and what a huge fault is. Consequently, the person who judges a case has to be very smart and knowledgeable. Because most of the time, a bias or reckless judgment leads to more severe situation. The party who loses may desire for revenge, ignore the law, and act in response to the conflict with another crime. To prevent this from happening, a judge needs to use both his or her brain and heart intelligently. The law may forgive, but forgiveness should not be an excuse to an unfair…

    • 1592 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Poetic Justice In Dante's Inferno At The Woods Of Suicide
    • 165 Words
    • 1 Page

    Poetic Justice In Dante's Inferno At The Woods Of Suicide

    In conclusion, poetic justice can be easily seen through all of Dante’s books. This is evident in Inferno at the woods of suicide written in Canto XIII. The envious of Canto XIII in Purgatorio display poetic justice throughout their punishment and in their songs. The wise on the sun in Paradiso Cantos X and XI can be seen shining good justice that is brighter than the sun itself. Dante the pilgrim ends his journey through the afterlife by looking unto God and Dante the writer ends his series with stars, like each of his books. From a biblical view, justice will be administered to the people based on their choices today. So “turn from evil and do good; then you will dwell in the land forever. For the LORD loves the just and will not forsake…

    • 165 Words
    • 1 Page
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Punishment in Dante’s Inferno
    • 995 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Punishment in Dante’s Inferno

    Dante’s The Inferno is his own interpretation of the circles of hell. The people that Dante places in hell tried to validate their offenses and have never seen the injustice of their crime or crimes. They were each placed in a specific circle in Hell, Dante has nine circles in his hell. Each circle holds those accountable for that specific crime. Each circle has its own unique and fitting punishment for the crime committed. There are three different main types of offenses; they are incontinence, violence, and fraud. These offenses are divided into Dante’s nine rings of Hell. Each of these rings has a progressively worse punishment, starting with crimes of passion and ending with crimes of fraud. The self-centered crimes are in rings one through five, the violent crimes are held in rings six through eight, and ring nine holds the fraudulent criminals.…

    • 995 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Dante's Inferno: Contrapasso
    • 757 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Dante's Inferno: Contrapasso

    Despite the undeserving sufferers previously noted, many of the people found in hell deserve to be there. The blasphemers have committed the sin of violence against God. They have either cursed God or offended God directly during their lifetimes. These sinners lay on their backs in burning sand staring up at the skies as fiery flakes rain down on them. They committed sins against God, therefore they shall spend…

    • 757 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    The Republic Book 1 notes
    • 805 Words
    • 4 Pages

    The Republic Book 1 notes

    We get a hint of the first definition of justice --> Justice=doing what you're supposed to do, especially giving others what they should have- whether this is returning possessions, being honest in business or giving proper sacrifice to the gods…

    • 805 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Monte Cristo Religion
    • 261 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Monte Cristo Religion

    Edmond Dantes, the protagonist in Alexandre Dumas’ The Count of Monte Cristo, credits God for being very important in his life. Since the beginning of time, religion has been a foundation in many people’s lives. Because of this, people adopt rules based on not just their religion, but on the beliefs of the Gods involved, promising to value and stand firm in adhering to such beliefs. These beliefs are subjective, leaving the role of the Divine in people’s lives to be up for interpretation. Two roles that God could play—giving mercy or overseeing justice—are debated, with people strongly supporting both sides. With that being said, God gives mercy in people’s lives, but, in Edmond Dantes’ life, God not only gives mercy, but also an “eye for…

    • 261 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    King Lear
    • 1284 Words
    • 6 Pages

    King Lear

    Victor Hugo once said “Let us have compassion for those under chastisement. Alas, who are we ourselves? Who am I and who are you? Whence do we come and is it quite certain that we did nothing before we were born? This earth is not without some resemblance to a goal. Who knows but that man is a victim of divine justice? Look closely at life. It is so constituted that one senses punishment everywhere.” This quote depicts the concept of assuming that all people are the same and deserve what they get, but throughout the play we realize that sometimes a punishment is way harsher than the crime that was committed. Based on the Eighth Amendment to the United States Constitution, punishment excessive to the crime that was committed is forbidden. But does that amendment exclude the divine justice? Of course it does. The concept of divine justice does not extend to those of the world. It is exclusive to the Divine One, meaning God. However in this particular play God, is not the Divine One, He is rather depicted as many gods, like in Greek mythology. God sees to it that both evil doers and good doers receive justice and rewards, but sometimes God is not fair, those good doers are sometimes persecuted with the evil doers because of association or to prove a point.…

    • 1284 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Does Punishment Deter Crime?
    • 1325 Words
    • 6 Pages

    Does Punishment Deter Crime?

    During biblical times crime not only affected society, but it was believed to have also been directed towards God himself. The Bible is the oldest book to reference with many directives to living life peacefully and without revenge. As retribution is considered a form of punishment, if not the first, the Bible itself explains that the punishment should not exceed the crime. Matthew 5:38 states, “You have heard that it has been said, eye for eye and tooth for tooth”. This passage is meant as a way to explain that the punishment should fit the crime. As a member of society, the offender was punished equally as brutal as the crime that was committed. Some may not agree that justice is always served since the punishment does not bring back the dead or ease the pain that loved ones feel. In order to satisfy society’s need for vengeance, retribution is justified by punishing the criminal which thereby causes suffering to the same degree that was caused by the offender. Retribution may not amend the corrupt behavior of the offender, but does serve its purpose of appeasing society’s need for restoring moral order as revenge would be sought if punishment was not imposed.…

    • 1325 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Adultery: Scarlet Letter
    • 560 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Adultery: Scarlet Letter

    The manner in which a person is punished should always match the crime committed. One must ask oneself: How do you create a punishment for committing adultery? For adultery is an ethical crime, one which has no effect upon society. Adultery is a personal crime, for when a person commits this act of violation with another they should be the only ones involved, not the government, not the community. Under the eyes of the Church adultery is a terrible sin and should be severely punished; however, to find…

    • 560 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Islamic Figures And Images In Dante's Inferno
    • 1143 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Islamic Figures And Images In Dante's Inferno

    History has given many points of view of civilized life and ideas of the past that teach lessons on our path to perfection. The conflicts and prejudices between the Muslim and Christian people are some key examples of points of view that were key to the development of our modern day civilized life. A key person of interest in our World’s most prominent literature is Dante. Famous for his beautifully crafted Divine Comedy, Dante has provided the basis for Italian literature even until this day. Throughout his Journey through the circles of Hell, Dante imagines many prominent figures in history who have been banished to Hell by God. None are more controversial than those of the Islamic faith because of his depictions of Muhammad. Throughout…

    • 1143 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Conflict In Dante's Inferno
    • 537 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Conflict In Dante's Inferno

    The Inferno, By Dante Alighieri is part of The Divine Comedy, which consists of the Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno, written in 1314, is about Dante’s allegorical journey through Hell where he speaks to many of the sinners and tells their stories. The inferno presents the theme that God finds a just way to punish all those who sin. The author, Dante Alighieri, is also the speaker in the poem, and Dante’s audience is mainly the Italian people, as they are familiar with many of the characters and places Dante speaks of in the poem.…

    • 537 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More

Related Topics