(Image found in Danteworlds (UTexas) > Inferno Gallery > Circle 5; Painting is entitled: Filippo Argenti and is painted by Gustave Doré)

Throughout each Canto, each encounter with the damned invokes a strong emotional reaction in Dante. For example, in Canto 8, as Phlegyas is rowing Dante and Virgil across the Styx river, they meet Filippo Argenti. He is covered with mud and inquires to know why Dante, as part of the living world, is journeying through Hell. When Dante makes it clear that he recognizes the anguished soul despite his muddy appearance, Argenti reaches out to touch the boat or perhaps, Dante, evidently attempting to endanger him. After Virgil pushes him away and comments on the lack of goodness in Argenti’s soul, Dante replies, “Master, much would I desire to see him ducked in this broth before we leave the lake,” (52-53). In other words, Dante is expressing to Virgil a new emotion that strongly contrasts to previous reactions. In past Cantos, Dante would show pity towards souls who would share their stories with him. He would become so overwhelmed with pity and sorrow that he would faint soon afterwards. Here, Dante conveys disgust and alarm at Argenti’s daring behavior in which he puts Dante and Virgil in peril of falling into the river.

Although the moment passes quickly, Dante desires to witness Argenti’s disappearance into the Styx river, himself, so that he may feel more secure and relieved. Later on, Dante recounts, “A little later I saw him torn apart by those muddy people in such a way that I still praise God and thank him for it,” (58-59). This statement indicates that Dante feels a great sense of relief at witnessing Argenti’s violent and forcible descent into the Styx river, thanks to the other muddy anguished souls present in the river. Although Virgil comforts and shields him from being harmed, this event evidently makes him feel even more at ease. Ironically, Dante thanks and praises God, up in Heaven, for this particular event that takes place in Hell, for paying heed to his terror.