9 Circles of Hell

(Dante's Inferno)
First Circle (Limbo)
Resided by virtuous non-Christians and
unbaptized pagans who are punished
with eternity in an inferior form of
Heaven.

Second Circle (Lust)

In the second circle of Hell are those
overcome by lust. This symbolizes the
power of lust to blow needlessly and
aimlessly: "as the lovers drifted into self-
indulgence and were carried away by
their passions, so now they drift for
ever.

Third Circle (Gluttony)

The vile slush symbolizes personal
degradation of one who overindulges in
food, drink, and other worldly
pleasures, while the inability to see
others lying nearby represents the
gluttons’ selfishness and coldness.

Fourth Circle (Greed)

The Hoarders and Spendthrifts
Symbolizes their selfish drive for
fortune during their lifetime.
Fifth Circle (Anger)
The actively wrathful and sullen.
The punishment reflects the type of the
sin committed during their lifetime.

Sixth Circle (Heresy)

Having beliefs that contradict any
teaching of a major religion.
Part of its evil in the context of the
inferno is that is tears apart the fabric of
society.
Seventh Circle
(Violence)
Murderers and others who were violent
to other people and property.
The poet sees suicides and profligates.
Are blasphemers, sodomites and
Usurers.

Eight Circle (Fraud)

Guilty of Simple Fraud/ fraudulent.
distinguished from its predecessors by
being made up of those who consciously
and willingly commit fraud.

Ninth Circle
(Treachery)
The final and innermost circle reserve
for the worst kinds of sinners.
Are punished sinners guilty of treachery
against those with whom they had
special relationships.