The depictions painted in these rings of Hell are incredible, and did an excellent job of helping me understand and feel what it would be like to be present there. Limbo is compared to a "blind world" that is "dark and deep and bleared with mist" (Canto Four, pg 33). It is so foggy that Dante could not "discern a single thing" (33). Can you imagine how miserable an empty abyss would be to dwell in? There are "no wails, but only sighs," meaning that they could not even express their immense sorrow - they are simply stuck and can only utter groans (35). In Canto Five, the next circle depicted is illustrated as this tormented an violent space. There are "high winds" and "hellish cyclones that never rest"(47). I can clearly picture the intensity of their pain and misery.
I commented on Darby and Olivia's posts!
I agree, the idea of an abyss is actually quite terrifying. The way it was described as a blind world hit me most clearly because the idea of going from being able to see to being blind because you would know what you're missing out on and that would be the most painful part.
ReplyDeleteTo me it really hit on the idea of what I struggle with and don't like to think about because it makes my anxiety levels hit the roof and I just can't but I'm going to for a brief moment. . .
ReplyDeleteIt's not so much the fog but the idea that they have no chance of escaping. They are literally going to be here FOREVER! It doesn't matter what they do, what they say, or what they pray they are stuck in Limbo for eternity. Even though they aren't suffering they will never find happiness either. This is literally why people commit suicide; because they can't feel anything and they start cutting just so they can feel something even if that something is pain. Except you can't kill yourself if you're already dead.