Question

Why might author Dante Alighieri place Brutus, Cassius, and Judas in the 9th circle and worst place in hell of his epic poem Inferno? In other words, what is the context and sub-text of this scene?

Answer 1

Answer and explanation:

Dante Alighieri, in his poem "Inferno", places Brutus, Cassius, and Judas in the Ninth Circle and worst place in hell because they are betrayers. Judas betrayed Jesus Christ, and Brutus and Cassius betrayed Roman emperor Julius Caesar. We may say the context is that betrayal is the gravest sin anyone can commit. Judas, Brutus, and Cassius are not only in the Ninth Circle, but in its fourth and final ring, which means they have the worst punishment. They are each being chewed by one of Satan's heads. Satan himself, who betrayed God, is stuck in a frozen lake. He cannot move, and he does not resemble his previous angelic form at all. We may say the sub-text is both religious and political. Dante is, at least in his writing, criticizing and punishing those he considers to be vile criminals, who have betrayed their masters and benefactors. No crime seems to be worse than betraying someone's love and trust.