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Examples Of Paganism In Dante's Inferno

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Based on Dante’s standards and how I have been living my life thus far, the place for me in Hell is in Limbo, the first level of Hell for “Virtuous Pagans”. In other words, I am a good person and live a life of virtue; however, because I do not practice any religion, I do not deserve a place in heaven, and will therefore join the ranks of the great poets and philosophers such as Aristotle, Socrates, Homer, and Virgil, the representation of Dante’s human reason and an important character in The Inferno. The inhabitants of Limbo don’t actually suffer through eternal torment, but rather, live without hope. This is definitely understandable and just, as it would be strange and cruel to have to punish those who have not sinned. It would also be unheard of to send those who did not believe in God to a holy place such as Heaven. …show more content…

In addition, Dante’s visit to Limbo is towards the beginning of his and Virgil’s journey, where he is still sensitive to everything he sees and experiences in their descent into Hell. It is mentioned time and time again in the end-of-chapter notes that one of the more important themes of this piece is Dante’s growing indifference the further he goes down. This serves as an allegory that Dante is attempting to emphasize, which is that one must harden oneself to sin in order to be welcomed into heaven. Sinners don’t deserve sympathy, and they are suffering torment because they deserve it. Dante even goes as far as to contribute to the torture of some of the inhabitants he meets. In this particular circle, he feels a mutual respect and even some pity towards the shades that dwell in Limbo, and therefore, Dante himself does not view them with contempt or worthy of any harsh

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