In the sixth bolgia of Hell, Dante and Virgil traverse through the area while encountering a multitude of sinners. The primary focus of this work centres on the concept of deception, a characteristic often linked to individuals who exhibit hypocritical behaviour. Dante portrays the sinners as 'those whose actions contradict their words, who feign to be what they are not' (23:64-65), a trait commonly associated with hypocrites.
The sixth bolgia constitutes a subterranean trench situated within the eighth circle of Hell. This particular bolgia is designated for the hypocrites, who are individuals that pretend to possess virtuous qualities while hiding their true, deceptive nature. The penalty assigned to the hypocrites in the sixth bolgia is
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According to the biblical account, Caiaphas was crucified on the ground, serving as a symbolic bridge for other sinners to cross while undergoing the same punishment. The visual representation presented herein depicts the gravity of Caiaphas's transgression and the consequential burden it places on his adherents. Hypocrisy can result in far-reaching consequences that extend beyond the individual, affecting not only the hypocrite but also those who are influenced by their behaviour. This phenomenon has been widely studied in various fields, including psychology, sociology, and ethics. In the sixth bolgia of Dante's Inferno, the protagonist Dante and his guide Virgil come across various groups of hypocrites, among them politicians and religious leaders. The individuals who have committed sins are burdened by their heavy cloaks, while the Malebranche take pleasure in inflicting torment upon them.
Following their successful evasion of the Malebranche through cunning tactics and the assistance of a demon named Malacoda, Dante and Virgil proceed to navigate through the circle of Hell. Upon reaching the bridge leading to the subsequent circle of Hell, the protagonists encounter a group of sinners who are undergoing punishment for their thievery. The Malebranche escape constitutes a pivotal moment in the poem, highlighting the intellectual acumen and ingenuity of the travellers, while underscoring the difficulties inherent in navigating the circles of