Question

In the Inferno, Dante the fictional character often expresses pity for the people who are forced to suffer in Hell. Does this suggest that Dante the author disagrees with the Christian god's policy of sending people to Hell? Explain your answer. (Note: Be sure to distinguish carefully between Dante the character and Dante the author in your answer.)

Answer 1

No, he just pities them when he sees them forced to suffer in hell for all eternity. In fact, he does mention that "God thou judgement is fair after all". This means that he actually accepts the way God judges people and sends them to Hell for eternity if they are deserving. He just shows empathy and no disagreement.

Answer 2

No, it only shows empathy but the feeling of pity and disagreeing are two very different things. The dante the fictional character often expresses pity for the people who are forced to suffer in Hell and this does not suggest that date the author disagrees with the Christian god's policy of sending people to Hell.