The Punishment of the Wrathful in Purgatory

The purgation of anger on the third terrace, where souls walk in acrid smoke, learning meekness.

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The Thick Smoke

The Blindness The Smoke Dante and Virgil enter a thick, acrid smoke that blinds them. They hear voices praying the 'Agnus Dei.' The Symbolism The smoke represents the blinding nature of anger, which clouds reason. The souls must walk in it until they learn to see clearly.

Marco Lombardo's Discourse

The World's Corruption The Cause Marco Lombardo explains that the world's evil is due to bad leadership, not the stars. Free will can overcome celestial influences. The Two Suns He laments that the Church has usurped the Empire, causing chaos. The remedy is to restore the proper separation of powers.

The Visions of Anger

The Examples The Visions Dante has ecstatic visions of meekness: the Virgin Mary finding Jesus in the temple, Pisistratus forgiving his wife's attacker, and St. Stephen praying for his persecutors. The Purpose These visions are meant to counteract the sin of anger by showing examples of patience and forgiveness.

The Angel of Peace

The Exit The Angel An angel appears, and the smoke clears. The angel sings 'Beati pacifici' (Blessed are the peacemakers). The Removal of a P The angel brushes Dante's forehead, removing another P. Dante feels lighter and more ready to ascend.

Dante's Reflection

The Lesson Learned The Harm of Anger Dante reflects on how anger can lead to sin. The purgation of wrath involves recognizing the futility of rage and embracing peace. The Progress Each terrace makes Dante lighter, both physically and spiritually. He is being purified for the encounter with Beatrice.

On the third terrace of Purgatory

In the smoke, on the third terrace

On the third terrace, before the smoke

At the end of the third terrace

After leaving the third terrace