The Sixth Terrace: The Gluttonous

Dante, Virgil, and Statius ascend to the sixth terrace, where the gluttonous are purged. The souls are emaciated, their eyes hollow and skin stretched over bones. They are tormented by the sight and smell of a fruit tree and a fountain of water that they cannot reach. Dante recognizes Forese Donati, a friend from his youth. Forese explains that he was saved by the prayers of his wife Nella, and he condemns the immodest dress of Florentine women. He prophesies that they will be punished. Dante tells Forese of his journey and introduces Virgil and Statius. This terrace emphasizes the virtue of temperance and the power of intercessory prayer.