Upon entering the deepest part of Hell, the reader is introduced to an unorthodox depiction of satan. To most, this depiction of Satan may be unsatisfactory. Most picture Satan as being completely red, with two horns, a tail, and a pitchfork; the Ruler of the Underworld. However, Dante provides another image. Initially, Dante, from a distance, sees what he believes is a windmill. As he gets closer, he realizes the forceful winds are created by the flapping wings of Satan; the wings being a peculiar characteristic given by Dante. The unusual picture of Satan is completed with “three faces on his head” where “with six eyes did he weep” (47). Each face was a different color. The middle was red, representing anger, the right face was white/yellow, representing impotence, and the
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Given the contrapasso belief, it would make sense that he would receive the worst punishment, however, he is not isolated. For each head of Satan, there is one sinner being chewed on. The three sinners are Judas, Cassius, and Brutus. Judas is the worst sinner, while the other two follow suit. The red face chews on Judas, The yellow on Cassius, and the black on Brutus. The three sinners are here because they, behind Satan, committed the worst betrayals in history. Since Judas betrayed the son of God, his punishment is the worst. He is chewed on with his “head inside” and “legs without” (47). The other two are chewed on as well, but their vice-versa; their legs are in Satan’s mouth. Dante chose to put these three sinners in Satan’s mouths because they were all essentially traitors of God. Judas betrayed Jesus directly, and the other two did indirectly. Cassius and Brutus would essentially end Pax Romana. They opposed the formation of the Roman Empire by assassinating Julius Caesar. Not only were they traitors to God, but also ensured death to individuals before the formation of the Roman
Given the contrapasso belief, it would make sense that he would receive the worst punishment, however, he is not isolated. For each head of Satan, there is one sinner being chewed on. The three sinners are Judas, Cassius, and Brutus. Judas is the worst sinner, while the other two follow suit. The red face chews on Judas, The yellow on Cassius, and the black on Brutus. The three sinners are here because they, behind Satan, committed the worst betrayals in history. Since Judas betrayed the son of God, his punishment is the worst. He is chewed on with his “head inside” and “legs without” (47). The other two are chewed on as well, but their vice-versa; their legs are in Satan’s mouth. Dante chose to put these three sinners in Satan’s mouths because they were all essentially traitors of God. Judas betrayed Jesus directly, and the other two did indirectly. Cassius and Brutus would essentially end Pax Romana. They opposed the formation of the Roman Empire by assassinating Julius Caesar. Not only were they traitors to God, but also ensured death to individuals before the formation of the Roman