Dante spends thirteen cantos in Malebolge, the eighth circle of Hell. This is a lot longer than he spends with any other circle.
Why do the sinners in this circle get so much of his attention?
asked Jan 23 '17 at 11:04
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The thing to remember about Inferno is that, while it is presented as a religious, cosmological odyssey through the afterlife, it is also a commentary on current affairs of Alighieri's time. Many of the tormented souls in Hell are real people. They are being punished for their alleged crimes as Dante would want them to be punished, with true poetic justice. For instance, the late Pope Nicholas III is face first in a hole in the third ditch (canto 19). Nicholas mistakes his visitors for Pope Boniface VIII, who is still alive but destined for the next hole. This scene is much like the politica – Ralph Crown Jul 3 '17 at 15:05
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This is better suited for Literature SE. – Spencer Jun 9 '19 at 19:43
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How do you know he was giving his attention to the sinners & not exploring another realm.Maybe he got lost for thirteen cantos, however long that is... – Ryan Stone Feb 18 at 14:15
