What is the primary emotion depicted in the second circle of Hell according to Dante?

The primary emotion depicted in the second circle of Hell in Dante's Inferno is one of despair, particularly associated with the lustful souls who inhabit this realm. In this circle, Dante encounters those who gave in to their passions and desires during their earthly lives, which led them to suffer eternal punishment. The continuous torment faced by the souls in this circle—being swept away in a violent storm without rest—serves to illustrate the hopelessness and lack of control these individuals experience.

Their punishment reflects the consequences of allowing desire to overpower reason and virtue, driving them into a state of despair because they are powerless to escape the storm that embodies their lost and unfulfilled yearnings. This emotional plight captures the essence of their plight, illustrating how their earthly loves have transformed into eternal suffering, anchoring them in a cycle of longing without resolution. This portrayal of despair effectively highlights the gravity of their sins and the depth of their eternal punishment.