Civilization as a whole has always had a hierarchy. Thousands of years ago, it was ranked by bloodlines and social status. Hundreds of years ago, it was religious enlightenment. Throughout history, it has been wealth. But while Dante Alighieri was wronged by the political hierarchy, it helped him develop a ranked system of his own-one based on flaws. His hierarchy in The Divine Comedy is loosely based on Christianity, passing judgement on those that have yet to die and those that already have. Inferno adds its own elements to a Christian hell, while neglecting some featured in the bible. While the book is interpretive, it lacks the direct accuracy necessary to make it an extension of Christianity. A questionable topic …show more content…
In both Inferno and the Bible, rejudgement does not exist outside of the second coming of Christ. In Hebrews 9:27, it is stated that everyone is ¨destined to die once, and after that to face judgment¨. The quote doesn´t necessarily condemn the idea of rejudgement, nor does it support it. Biblically, as long as you recognize Jesus as your savior before you die, you go to Heaven. A rich king damned to hell once cried to heaven for mercy, and was told there was a chasm that separated Heaven and Hell. This chasm must never be crossed. Similarly, sinners in Inferno are bound to their circle, unable to escape. Both texts acknowledge the second coming of Christ, albeit in different fashions. Namely, Inferno excluded hypocrites and those who commit violence against themselves. While both are biblical sins, neither are suggested as being so heinous that the sinners are denied redemption by Christ. Joseph Kameen believes that ¨Dante primarily intended to explain biblical justice through his contrapasso,¨(Kameen), but ¨inevitably added some of his own invention,¨(Kameen). It could be possible that Dante was more focused on making ironic punishment for sinners than fair ones. Circles with more malevolent-minded individuals were allowed redemption, while these two were eternally