What endears Dante to the reader is his compassion for the sinners, even though he later comes to recognize that his pity is wasted upon them. He feels so apologetic for not recognizing Ciacco that he fabricates an excuse so as not to hurt his feelings. After all, Ciacco was a jovial and gracious host in life and was the typical "life of the party." Dante can only listen sympathetically to his condition. In contrast, Dante soon meets a Glutton in Hell. Then, when the greatest poets of all time invite him to join them, this is a compliment of such high caliber that Dante's pride is heightened immeasurably. And, he also displays a variety of emotions ranging from pleasure, to pity, to sympathy, to horror and revulsion.įor example, at the time of his journey, Dante was a rather well-known writer, and when he confronts the great classical writers whose greatness has survived the measure of time, he expresses awe merely to be in the presence of such greatness.
As he travels through this dreadful region, he retains those qualities that he has always possessed.
We never know what type of sin Dante has committed - this is not important - somewhere, he has simply strayed from the straight path.
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