Dante and Virgil speak to a simonist, Title: Simonists, Illustration by Gustave Doré, Source: Danteworlds (UTexas)

The image above refers to canto 19 in which Dante and Virgil encounter the souls who have committed the sin of simony. Simony is defined as someone who uses material wealth to pay for a higher position and more influence in the church. In observing the image, Dante appears to be quite cautious in approaching the simonists while Virgil is smiling with pleasure at Dante’s reaction. There are souls trapped in holes all around Dante and Virgil with their legs being the only visible limbs. They appear to be flailing about because of the fire that burns them.

However, it also seems to illustrate the moment when Dante speaks to Pope Nicholas III. When the latter believes Dante is another pope, known as Boniface, he reacts in a confused manner, unsure of how to answer. After following Virgil’s instructions, Dante inquires about Nicholas’s reason for being in Hell. In a tone, unlike the tones present in previous cantos, Dante bluntly asserts that Pope Nicholas III is rightly punished for the sins he committed. Dante proclaims, “You have made gold and silver your god; and/ what difference is there between you and the idol-/worshipper, except that he prays to one, and you to a/ hundred?” (112-115, 295). Dante wishes to express here that in Nicholas’s living days, he makes wealth and bribery his main priority in order rise to the top of the church. Despite the fact that Nicholas serves a religious institution, similar to other religious members, this does not necessarily stop him from using money to his advantage. Simply because one works in a position of power that teaches people right from wrong does not signify that they are staying true to such prophecies when they are hidden from the public.

Furthermore, according to the catholic tradition, especially during this time, an idol-worshipper is considered as someone who follows an evil custom. It signifies that people devote themselves to a cult image such as a statue. In this quote, in order to emphasize the evil and immoral mindset of Pope Nicholas III, Dante compares him to idol-worshippers claiming that Nicholas is much worse because of his endless selfishness and greedy attraction to materialistic wealth. Dante’s reproach is ultimately harsh, blunt and straightforward. These characteristics are unlike the usual tone of Dante that travels through the ongoing circles of Hell. In past cantos, the majority of his reactions consist of sorrowful pity or fear. It is plausible that since this eighth circle is past the midpoint of inferno where Geryon brings them, Dante’s is experiencing a shift in mindset. He is becoming more aware of his connections to the souls in Hell, especially when they are connected to a political or religious background in which Dante participates. Usually this signifies that they come from the same city as he does, Florence, which immediately attracts Dante’s attention. Furthermore, Dante’s is shifting into a stronger and less distressed character who does not become alarmed as intensely as before at the torment that he witnesses. The reason for this is that since Dante and Virgil are descending further down into inferno, the punishments of the souls are becoming harsher and more terrifying. At this point, Dante is used to and no longer shocked at the extremity of the punishments.

In reference to the image, as mentioned before, Dante appears cautious when he recognizes the voice of Pope Nicholas III. However, this does not distract from the idea that he criticizes Nicholas with a sense of superiority. The cautiousness is present because of the dangerous situation apparent in front of him where there is an abundance of fire. Nevertheless, since this is the first time Dante admits to a soul that they are deserving of the punishment they receive, it is evident that he feels he has the upper-hand. This is not only because he is still alive, in obvious contrast to Pope Nicholas III, but also because he encounters an opportunity to condemn the corruption of the church that bothers him throughout his participation in politics. According to the notes (302) idolatry is a sin that is often criticized by Old Testament prophets whom Dante associates himself with. This gives an insight into Dante’s sense of identity because he feels confident in his opinion regarding Pope Nicholas III without any sense of insecurity about his sense of faith. Therefore, he is able to see what actions he must not commit in the future in order to avoid ending up in a damned position similar to Nicholas.

Lastly, Virgil’s reaction as shown in the artwork is clearly reflected in the text when Dante narrates, “I firmly believe that it pleased my leader, with/ such a contented smile he listened still to the sound/ of the true words I spoke,” (121-123, 295). This quote not only expresses a textual mirror of the image but also confirms Dante’s sense of superiority in two ways. Primarily, It is reassuring that his guide, who also happens to be a poet that Dante admires, approves of his statements towards Pope Nicholas III. When Dante states, “…the true words I spoke,” he is also affirming himself as well as the reader for speaking the truth, which pushes any further questions the reader or Virgil might have out of the way.