Psychological Makeup Of The Sinners In Dante's Inferno
Contrast the psychological makeup of the sinners in Inferno and the penitent in Purgatorio
This paper will compare the psychological makeup of the penitents in Purgatorio and the sinners in Inferno. Dante’s views are based on the principles of the Catholic religion and so, the harshest punishment that can be inflicted upon a sinner is purely spiritual, not physical.
The Inferno is characterized by sins, and the sinners are not willing to repent for their sins but instead, they blame it on other people. Their souls have not been able to confess for the crimes they have committed. This attitude, coupled with the fact that their character has become entirely perverted by their sins led to their eventual permanent suffering in Hell. They are dammed and cannot receive salvation. The people who are in Inferno will never be able to see God and they can only suffer in desperation. However, no matter how harshly these sinners are punished, the real suffering is the eternal absence of God and so, of hope. In fact, the sign over the entrance to Hell emphasizes this: "Abandon all hope, you who enter here" (III, 7). On the other hand, the sinners presented in Purgatorio have accepted moral responsibility and have …show more content…
Sinners found there can potentially correct their mistakes and achieve purification. No matter how evil their sins may be, these penitents take full moral responsibility for the wrongdoings that they have committed so, God spared their lives. In the Purgatorio, the sinners can confess their sins by accepting punishment with hope until they achieve a state of perfection and harmony with God by reaching the Paradiso. Sins in the Purgatorio are classified on the authenticity and intensity of love. An interesting example can be found in Canto XXIII, where a Dante’s friend, Forese Donati was finally able to attain the Sixth Terace of the Purgatorio thanks the prayer of his wife, which shortened his purgatory
This paper will compare the psychological makeup of the penitents in Purgatorio and the sinners in Inferno. Dante’s views are based on the principles of the Catholic religion and so, the harshest punishment that can be inflicted upon a sinner is purely spiritual, not physical.
The Inferno is characterized by sins, and the sinners are not willing to repent for their sins but instead, they blame it on other people. Their souls have not been able to confess for the crimes they have committed. This attitude, coupled with the fact that their character has become entirely perverted by their sins led to their eventual permanent suffering in Hell. They are dammed and cannot receive salvation. The people who are in Inferno will never be able to see God and they can only suffer in desperation. However, no matter how harshly these sinners are punished, the real suffering is the eternal absence of God and so, of hope. In fact, the sign over the entrance to Hell emphasizes this: "Abandon all hope, you who enter here" (III, 7). On the other hand, the sinners presented in Purgatorio have accepted moral responsibility and have …show more content…
Sinners found there can potentially correct their mistakes and achieve purification. No matter how evil their sins may be, these penitents take full moral responsibility for the wrongdoings that they have committed so, God spared their lives. In the Purgatorio, the sinners can confess their sins by accepting punishment with hope until they achieve a state of perfection and harmony with God by reaching the Paradiso. Sins in the Purgatorio are classified on the authenticity and intensity of love. An interesting example can be found in Canto XXIII, where a Dante’s friend, Forese Donati was finally able to attain the Sixth Terace of the Purgatorio thanks the prayer of his wife, which shortened his purgatory