How is poetic justice exemplified in Dante's punishments?

In Dante's "Inferno," poetic justice is a central theme reflected through the concept of contrapasso, where the punishment directly corresponds to the nature of the sin committed. Each punishment is carefully designed to fit the specific sin, serving as a moral lesson for the sinners. This alignment emphasizes the idea that actions have consequences, making the experience of suffering in Hell a form of poetic retribution.

For example, sinners who were gluttonous endure an eternity of being punished by incessant hunger and thirst, highlighting the overindulgence they practiced in life. Similarly, those guilty of pride carry heavy weights as a punishment, symbolizing the burdens that their arrogance brought upon themselves. By ensuring that the punishment fits the crime, Dante reinforces the moral order of the universe and the idea that divine justice prevails. This meticulous relationship between sin and punishment is what illustrates the essence of poetic justice in Dante's work.