The Fifth Bolgia in the eighth circle of Hell, also called Malebolge, is for those who committed peculation or embezzlement during their lifetime. In this bolgia, sinners are submerged in boiling pitch, representing the viscous and murky quality of their offenses. Dante,continues to explores the bolgia and meets the Elder of Santa Zita and the devil Malacoda, who provide insight into the punishment and nature of the sin. The peculators in the fifth bolgia are those who abused their positions of power by embezzling money or property that was not rightfully theirs. The punishment of being submerged in boiling pitch symbolizes how their greed stuck with them in life and persists in death. The pitch symbolizes how their illicit profits impede …show more content…
He was entrusted with managing the finances of a religious order but instead used the money for personal gain. He was also recognized for his piety, good deeds, and generous donations to the poor. This raises the question of whether his legacy should be judged based on his sins or his virtuous actions. Dante condemns him to the fifth bolgia, but the character's complexity reveals the nuanced nature of sin and morality. Malacoda and the other devils in the fifth bolgia are notable characters in Canto 21. Malacoda, meaning "evil tail," leads the devils in this bolgia and guides Dante and Virgil through it. He is a deceitful character who attempts to trick travelers into falling into boiling pitch. Nevertheless, Virgil's quick thinking and Dante's bravery ultimately thwart his attempts. The other devils in this bolgia are portrayed as both sly and vicious. The sinners are tormented using tactics like poking them with pitchforks and repeatedly pulling them out of the pitch only to drop them back in. The devils symbolize how the sin of embezzlement harms not only the individuals who commit it, but also society as a whole. Embezzlement can have far-reaching consequences, affecting many people beyond the