Who are the sodomites in Dante's Inferno?

The sodomites in Dante's Inferno are individuals guilty of homosexual acts. In the context of Dante's work, these individuals are placed in the seventh circle of Hell, which is reserved for those who committed violence, with sodomy specifically linked to violent acts against nature.

Dante's classification reflects the views prevalent in the 14th century, where homosexuality was often condemned and associated with sinfulness. This categorization is depicted vividly in the poem, as the sodomites are punished by being forced to run in a circle beneath a rain of fire, reflecting their perceived transgressions.

While the other choices relate to different sins, they describe various other types of wrongdoings not directly associated with the particular group that Dante identifies as sodomites. This distinction underscores the specific moral and theological context that Dante was writing within, showcasing a society grappling with issues related to sexuality and sin during that time.