The End

I did not open them--for to be rude
To such a one as him was courtesy

-Canto XXXIII (146-147)

In the thirty-third canto, the reader becomes aware of a fact that has not come into the story as of yet, and in contrast to the rest of the story, goes against Catholic doctrine. Dante is speaking to Fra Alberigo in the third ring of the ninth circle of hell, those who betrayed their guests. In fact, Albergio has not died, his sins were so horrible and unforgivable that he was cast into hell before his time. Albergio resides in this circle because of an episode in which he had his cousin and son killed during a banquet at his home. This quote is exceptionally important because it signals a shift in Dante's attitude towards those doomed to hell. Dante has learned not to pity the suffering sinners of hell. While in the beginning he wept for every soul who suffers horribly for their sins, he now seems to take pleasure in the torture those who have sinned must endure. When Albergio asks Dante to wipe away the frozen ring of tears so he may cry for his sins and suffering, Dante refuses. Dante's change of heart is important to his overall development. He learns to despise sin, therefore, taking the first step towards overcoming sin in his own life and finding salvation in God.

Through a round aperture I saw appear

Some of the beautiful things that Heaven bears,
Where we came forth, and once more saw the stars.

-Canto XXXIV (138-140)

In the forth ring of the ninth circle of hell lie those who have committed fraud against their benefactor, and therefore, comes closest to betraying God directly. Judas is held in the middle mouth of Lucifer with his head being constantly chewed because he committed the ultimate sin by betraying both his benefactor and God simultaneously. Brutus and Cassius are located in Satan's other two mouths, for they betrayed Julius Caesar, and Dante believes Rome to be the sovereign city, destined to rule the world both physically and spiritually. By placing a religious traitor in such a similar situation as the political traitors, Dante further enforces his belief that church and state are equal in their importance. Dante's portrayal of Lucifer is a mimicry of God, and his three heads a mimicry of the Holy Trinity.

The last lines in Dante's Inferno, symbolize his journey towards Heaven and salvation. He has begun his climb out of sin, and has taken a step closer to God. The ending left off on a optimistic note, a stark and refreshing difference from the dark depths of Hell.