The Seventh Terrace: The Lustful

Dante, Virgil, and Statius ascend to the seventh and final terrace, where the lustful are purged by walking through a wall of fire. The souls sing hymns and cry out examples of chastity. Dante is terrified of the fire, but Virgil encourages him by reminding him that Beatrice awaits on the other side. Dante enters the fire and passes through, emerging on the stairway to the Earthly Paradise. They climb until nightfall and then sleep on the steps. Dante dreams of Leah and Rachel, symbols of the active and contemplative life. This terrace represents the final purification of the soul before entering Paradise.