Figurative Language In Dante's Inferno

In the fifth circle of hell, the wrathful are punished due to their acts of anger and rage, while the sullen are consumed by bitterness and resentment. This circle in the Stygian marsh represents the stagnation and filth that sinners have created within themselves. Phlegyas was the Lapith king in Thessaly, Greece. In Dante’s reference to Greek mythology, Phlegyas burned down Apollo's temple in anger over his daughter's seduction by Apollo resulting in Phlegyas being punished for his wrath by ferrying sinners across the Styx for eternity.

The protagonist and his guide meet the wrathful and sullen near the gate of the city of Dis, where angry souls fight and tear each other apart in the murky waters of the Styx tormented by overseeing demons,

Philippo Argenti is a tormented soul in the fifth circle of Hell who recognises Dante and calls out to him. The remaining souls in the water shout insults and curses at Argenti, saying "May you find no peace here, cursed spirit!' And ‘Let us be, and let us weep in peace.' Dante uses direct speech to describe the scene, with the crowd shouting, ‘At Philippo Argenti!'' The reasons for the hostility towards Argenti by other souls in the river are unclear. Scholars suggest the individual may have been a political opponent of Dante or affiliated with the opposing Black Guelphs group. Scholars suggest the individual may have been a rival or adversary of Dante in his personal life. The hatred towards Argenti by other souls in the river suggests he was disliked during his life, regardless of the cause. Dante's portrayal of a wrathful character in perpetual torment in the river Styx serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of unbridled anger and the significance of leading a virtuous

The sixth circle of Hell is where heretics and those who have been violent against God end up. Dis is the gateway to the lower circles of Hell, where the most severe punishments are inflicted. Dis is a fortified city with high walls and towers. Fallen angels guard Hell's gates to prevent escape. Corrupted angels are depicted as monstrous and terrifying in appearance. They have bat-like wings and twisted, pained faces. In Dis, sinners are punished according to their sins, as Dante and Virgil witness. Heretics are trapped in fiery tombs as a symbol of their rejection of the true faith. Those who harm God are punished by being submerged in boiling blood, representing their violence against God and His creations.

Dis's impenetrable walls are a significant aspect of the city. Dante and Virgil are blocked from entering the city by fallen angels. The concept implies that once in Hell, there is no escape or redemption. The concept of divine justice and the consequences of our actions in life are central themes in The Inferno, as explored by Dante. The city of Dis symbolises spiritual corruption in Hell. It warns readers about the dangers of sin and its consequences, representing the ultimate punishment for those who reject God and true