The Revelation of Justice within Hell

    Every country has some form of government whether this system is a monarchy, democracy, authoritarianism, or even a democratic republic as exemplified in the United States. Laws are defined and the penalties for breaking them can range from the smallest fines to a punishment as severe as execution. Still, every crime must be paid for in some way just as every misdeed must face a penalty. Dante views this phenomenon in much the same way when he explains the layout of hell and why each sinner is placed in a certain level. Dante reveals through Inferno that an individual must not pity those who deserve their punishment but should want justice for sins committed, while also retaining one must not become enamored with violence.

         As Dante tours the various levels of hell, he learns not to pity those who deserve their retributions handed from God. He realizes God’s plan is far greater than his feeble attempt to understand and empathize with the wretched offenders. According to Dante, God fits every person’s punishment to the level of sin he committed: “I learned that such a torment was designed/ for the damned who were wicked in the flesh, / who made their reason subject desire” (5.37-39). Learning the specific torments for the injustice committed assists Dante to place his attitude in the proper perspective. However, Virgil still has to remind his mentee later in the story not to pity the deserving sinners: “Here pity lives the best when it is dead. /Who is more wicked than the man who longs/ to make God’s judgment yield to human force” (20.28-30). Dante learns he cannot possibly comprehend the actions of God, and realizes he is placing himself on a level greater than the highest power when he believes God is not behaving justly. Dante also discovers he cannot pity the sinners greatly, for the sad individuals made their own decision to never humble themselves. Ultimately, these individuals committed wrong in their lives which they never repented for, and this pretentiousness warranted an afterlife of pain.

         Every person has the innate desire for the fulfillment of wrongs committed against both himself and society to be fixed. Virgil is excited when Dante wants to see justice served and praises him on his attitude: “Then round my neck he clasped me in his arms/ and kissed my face and said, ‘Indignant soul! /blessed is she whose womb bore fruit in you” (8.43-45). When an individual stops finding happiness in injustice being corrected, then he fails his utmost providential desire. Most people often want to perform wrongful actions but become upset when the wrongs against them are not fixed. A person learns from Dante that he should want his desire for justice fulfilled: “You will enjoy your fill/ before the farther beach comes into sight. /Such a desire is good to satisfy” (8.55-57). Society loves to play God and correct what they believe is wrong behavior. However, society’s interpretation of sin and the judgment found therein is very different from God’s perspective. According to Dante, this judgment pertains to levels of sin accessed by certain tortuous penalties, resulting in a far more personal hell.

         Dante learns that while he should not pity the sinners, he should also refrain from becoming intrigued with violence in hell. Virgil reproves Dante when he notices his mentee investing in two people’s worthless argument: “And when I heard the anger in his voice/ I turned with such embarrassment and shame/ it haunts my memory still” (30.133-135). Dante soon realizes his mistake and attempts to correct his stance in absorbing pointless drama. An individual may learn from his example and remember to avoid investing in worthless spectacles. These investments do not encourage good morals or good behavior. A person realizes from Dante’s situation that what he listens to affects his mind and soul. Virgil soon forgives Dante of his grave error because of Dante’s humility: “‘Less shame would wash away a greater fault,’ / my Teacher said, ‘then yours has been, and so/ unburden all the sadness from your mind” (30.142-144). Just like Dante, individuals usually make the mistake of investing in pointless displays. Nevertheless, a person can learn from his mistakes and learn to invest his time in more fulfilling tasks.

         Virgil continually assists his student to form the correct attitude towards sinners and the crimes they commit by commending him when he responds correctly, and criticizing Dante when he does not respond appropriately. Throughout his journey in hell, Dante learns to balance his enthrallment with violence and recognizes the need to punish the misdeeds of unrepentant sinners.