Contrapasso is a term used to describe a punishment that is befitting to crime, or here, the sin. We see many examples of Contrapasso in Dante’s Inferno as he travels ever deeper into the depths of hell. Indeed, Dante highlights that the Lucifer himself is an example of Contrapasso as Lucifer’s sin of seeking God’s place as ruler of heaven resulting in him forever ruling over the damned. Here, the sin reflects the punishment as Lucifer aims to raise himself higher and as a result is cast down into the depths of the Inferno, as shown by the image. Dante uses the concept of Contrapasso to express his own views on ethics of various sins, reflecting on the cultural and political state of Italy at the time. Thursday 1 December 2011
What is Contrapasso?
Contrapasso is a term used to describe a punishment that is befitting to crime, or here, the sin. We see many examples of Contrapasso in Dante’s Inferno as he travels ever deeper into the depths of hell. Indeed, Dante highlights that the Lucifer himself is an example of Contrapasso as Lucifer’s sin of seeking God’s place as ruler of heaven resulting in him forever ruling over the damned. Here, the sin reflects the punishment as Lucifer aims to raise himself higher and as a result is cast down into the depths of the Inferno, as shown by the image. Dante uses the concept of Contrapasso to express his own views on ethics of various sins, reflecting on the cultural and political state of Italy at the time. 
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Hi there! I like what you did with these posts, especially the clear nature of the examples you provide. Even so, I think I can add to your content by providing an overarching interpretation of Contrapasso both in the Inferno and Purgatory. Check out my piece here:
ReplyDeletehttp://saysthemagpie.wordpress.com/2011/06/16/contrapasso-divine-justice-in-dantes-divine-comedy/
If you like the piece maybe we can do some cross-linking or guest blogging. Keep up the good work! The Magpie