Final answer:
In Dante's Inferno, Brutus, Cassius, and Judas are placed in the 9th circle of hell due to their respective betrayals, emphasizing the severity of their actions and their eternal punishment.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Dante Alighieri's epic poem Inferno, the placement of Brutus, Cassius, and Judas in the 9th circle of hell can be understood in the context of their respective betrayals. Dante, influenced by Christian theology and moral values, considered betrayal to be one of the worst sins. Brutus and Cassius betrayed Julius Caesar, a figure of authority, while Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus, the son of God. By placing them in the 9th circle, Dante emphasizes the severity of their actions and the eternal punishment they deserve.