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Popular Conceptions of Hell

Uploaded by spootyhead on Apr 18, 2007

Popular Conceptions of Hell

According to the dictionary hell can be defined as the place of the dead, or of souls after death. It is also described as the place or state of punishment for the wicked after death. Hell is a very abstract idea. We as humans can only ponder the idea of how hell would actually looks. Dante’s “Inferno,” which is part of Dante’s Divine Comedy, gives a detailed description of the landscape of hell and the punishments that one could expect to receive if they are banished to the depths of hell.

It is very noticeable by simply reading the title, “Inferno,” that Dante uses the popular belief that hell is a place of extreme heat and fire. This idea of burning flames and smoldering lava is carried out throughout the work. However, Dante does introduce a new idea, Contrapasso that has influenced a number of writers and works. Contrapasso is the idea that the crimes committed in life will determine the appropriateness and severity of the punishment in hell. The universal belief that all sinners would burn in hell suggests that all sins have a universal punishment. In the “Inferno,” Dante emphasizes that there are different punishments for different sins. The part of hell in which someone would be banished to is dependent on the severity of the sin.

According to Dante, the structure of hell is that of a slope. This slope begins at Achero with Limbo and proceeds down to the river of Styx. After the river, lower hell, otherwise known as the City of Dis is entered. The slope continues through nine levels and finally ends are the center of earth with those who committed the sin of treachery, the most severe sin. Thus, depending on the severity of the sin that was committed, a person will receive appropriate placement in hell.

While walking through the woods in despair, Dante encounters the great Roman poet, Virgil, who informs him that he will be his guide. They first must pass through the place of eternal damnation, hell, and purgatory before they can reach heaven. The first place they visit is full of cries from suffering and torment. Virgil explains that these souls are of those who “lived without disgrace and without praise.” ...

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Uploaded by:   spootyhead

Date:   04/18/2007

Category:   Religion

Length:   8 pages (1,868 words)

Views:   3150

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