Dante's Inferno, Cantos Seven and Eight

Canto Seven:

1. "It is willed above, where Michael wreaked revenge on pride's rebellion." (lines 10-11). This shows that even though they are in Hell, God is still powerful there. Most people think of Hell as Satan's domain, the place where God sends people and doesn't have anything to do with them anymore. Here, we see that God still holds sway in Hell because the demons and the shades in Hell listen to Virgil when he says they are on a mission from God.

2. "And brief her here all the goods in Fortune's ken..." (line 56). This reinforces how Fortune is a strumpet. Whores are meant to make men believe that they love them, to give them an experience that feels real, to provide instant gratification. Fortune does the same thing by deceiving men. She makes them believe that the instant gratification they feel when with her are something real, that they will be able to hold on to it forever. Christianity teaches us that earthly treasures are nothing and we should build up our treasure in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Canto Eight:

1. When Dante enjoys seeing his enemy torn apart by other shades, it is an ironic moment. Dante was extremely religious, and he's in Hell by the will of God which shows that he's in God's favor. It is strictly against the Christian religious code to enjoy or take part in the misery of others.

2. "Who has restored my confidence seven times over..." (line 93). Dante repeatedly makes use of the number seven in this book. We've seen it at least three times by this point in the story. Since it is a holy number, it's odd and striking to see here in hell.