How does Dante's view of divine justice manifest throughout Inferno?

Dante's view of divine justice is intricately linked to the concept of "contrapasso," which is a fundamental principle in "Inferno." This idea posits that the punishment assigned to each sinner directly corresponds to the nature of their sin, creating a clear and poetic symmetry between the act and its consequence. For example, a glutton might be punished by being forced to wallow in filth, emphasizing their overindulgence, while a fraudulent character like the flatterer finds themselves in a pit of excrement, reflecting their deceitful nature.

This system showcases Dante's belief that divine justice is neither random nor arbitrary; instead, it is inherently logical and serves the purpose of moral instruction. Each punishment is not only a consequence but also a form of poetic justice, offering the possibility of reflection and repentance. The specific alignment of punishment and sin illustrates that divine justice operates within a framework of moral order.

The other choices do not accurately capture Dante's portrayal of justice in "Inferno." For instance, mercy for all sinners does not align with the reality of the infernal punishments, which are often severe and unyielding. Additionally, a system of rewards without punishment would contradict the very premise of Hell and the moral lessons Dante seeks