The Theme of Justice and Mercy

The balance between divine justice and mercy, as seen in the punishments of Hell and the purgation of Purgatory.

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The Inscription on the Gate of Hell

Justice Incited Me The Words The gate of Hell bears the inscription: 'Justice incited my sublime Creator; created me divine Omnipotence, the highest Wisdom and the primal Love.' The Meaning Hell is an act of divine justice, created by God's love for order. The punishment of sin is a manifestation of God's justice.

The Contrapasso of the Damned

The Fitting Punishment The Principle Every sin in Hell is punished by a contrapasso, a punishment that mirrors or contrasts with the sin. This reflects the perfect justice of God. Examples The lustful are blown by winds, the gluttonous wallow in filth, the violent are immersed in blood, the traitors are frozen in ice. Each punishment is tailored to the sin.

The Mercy of Purgatory

The Hope of Purification The Second Kingdom Purgatory is a place of hope, where souls are purified through suffering. The punishments are temporary and lead to salvation. The Role of Prayers The living can shorten the time of the dead through prayers and indulgences. This shows the mercy of God and the communion of saints.

The Eagle's Discourse on Justice

The Inscrutable Judgment The Virtuous Pagan The eagle addresses the question of whether a virtuous man born without knowledge of Christ can be saved. It explains that God's justice is beyond human understanding. The Condemnation of Bad Christians Many who call on Christ will be condemned, while some who never knew Him may be saved. This shows that justice is not mechanical but depends on God's mercy.

The Final Vision: Justice and Love United

The Harmony The Trinity Dante sees the three circles of the Trinity, representing power, wisdom, and love. Justice and mercy are one in God. The Human Form Within the second circle, he sees the human form of Christ, showing that justice and mercy are united in the Incarnation and Redemption.

At the entrance to Hell

Throughout Hell

Throughout Purgatory

In the Heaven of Jupiter

In the Empyrean, at the end of the poem