Dante's Inferno Vocabulary

Allegory

A narrative that uses symbolic figures, actions, or events to convey deeper meanings, often moral or political.

Abyss

A deep or seemingly bottomless chasm, often symbolizing a place of suffering or despair.

Contrapasso

A principle in Dante's work where the punishment of a sinner reflects the nature of their sin.

Inferno

The Italian word for "hell," representing the realm of the damned in Dante's vision.

Vestibule

A large entrance or reception room or area.

Putrid

In a state of foul decay or decomposition.

Virtue

A quality considered morally good, representing moral excellence that is central to Dante's themes.

Sin

An act against divine law or moral principles, serving as the foundation for many of the characters' fates in the narrative.

Redemption

The act of being saved from sin, error, or evil, often a key theme in Dante’s exploration of morality.

Incontinence

Inability to control oneself, particularly in relation to lust and other appetites.

Suffering

The state of undergoing pain, distress, or hardship, prevalent throughout the experiences of souls in Dante's Inferno.

Fate

The development of events beyond a person's control, often linked to the idea of divine justice in the text.

Redemptive

Relating to the act of saving or being saved from sin, emphasizing the possibility of forgiveness.

Celestial

Pertaining to the sky or heavens, often used in contrast to the earthly or infernal realms.

Covenant

An agreement or promise, often seen in the context of the relationship between humanity and the divine.