What type of suffering do the damned experience in Circle 8?

In Circle 8 of Dante's Inferno, the type of suffering the damned experience is predominantly characterized by fraudulent torment. This circle, known as Malebolge, is reserved for those who have committed various forms of fraud, such as deceit, manipulation, and betrayal. The punishments in this circle are uniquely designed to reflect the nature of the sins themselves, with each bolgia (ditch) serving a different kind of fraudulent act and corresponding punishment.

For instance, flatterers are immersed in excrement, while simonists are placed upside down in holes with their feet set on fire. The complex nature of these punishments illustrates the concept of contrapasso, where the penalty fits the crime, further emphasizing the theme of justice within Dante's work. The focus on deceitful behavior highlights the impact of betrayal and the suffering endured by both the sinner and those affected by their fraudulent actions, effectively making fraudulent torment the defining characteristic of this circle.