What emotion does Dante express when encountering famous sinners?

Dante expresses pity when encountering famous sinners throughout "Inferno." This emotional response reflects his understanding of human frailty and the tragic nature of sin. He recognizes that those punished in Hell were once individuals who made choices that led to their downfall, and this invokes a sense of compassion in him.

Dante's journey is not just about witnessing punishment; it’s a deeply personal experience where he grapples with the weight of sin and the consequences it brings. The instances where he shows pity illuminate his character as a poet and as a human being who empathizes with the suffering of others, even in their eternal punishment.

His feelings of pity serve to highlight the idea that every sinner has a story, and Dante often contemplates the circumstances that led them to their fate. In contrast, the other emotional responses, such as indifference, joy, or anger, would not align with Dante’s empathetic perspective throughout his journey in Hell, where understanding and reflection are paramount to his narrative.