How does Dante describe the gluttons in the third circle of Hell?

Dante portrays the gluttons in the third circle of Hell as being subjected to a degrading and miserable punishment that fits their sin of excess and overindulgence. In this circle, gluttons are forced to lie in a foul, slushy mixture of mud and rain, which not only symbolizes the wastefulness of their earthly lives but also reflects the torment that arises from their insatiable appetites. The rain and cold represent both the harshness of their punishment and the lack of control they demonstrated while indulging in their pleasures on Earth. This vivid imagery reinforces the concepts of justice and retribution central to Dante's portrayal of Hell, where the punishments are directly related to the sins committed during life.

The other descriptions do not align with Dante's specific depiction of this circle. For instance, icy water, deprivation of light, or perpetual darkness do not capture the essence of the gluttons' punishment in a way that corresponds with Dante's goals. Instead, the overwhelming conditions of slush and vile rain serve to illustrate the consequences of their indulgent behaviors, making choice C the most accurate portrayal of their fate in Dante's vision of Hell.