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The Purpose Behind The Use Of The Contrapasso In Dante's Inferno

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The Purpose Behind The Use Of The Contrapasso In Dante's Inferno
The purpose behind the use of the contrapasso is to elaborate how your sins will ultimately determine your punishment in hell. In Canto III, Dante explains how the souls here are lost. souls here are considered neutral because they have not sinned, but they were sent to the underworld. When the souls were alive, they had an undecided relationship with God which also explains why the souls are considered neutral. Consequently, their neutral attributes cause them to be punished by walking inside of a crowd following a banner. Moreover, Dante uses symbolism by using the banner as a leader, serving as their punishment. In Canto V, Dante examines the lustful and the lovers. Accordingly, Dante uses the contropasso for those who lust would be thrown
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