Purgatorio Suffering Quotes Page 3

Guido admits that the vice of envy includes more than just jealously wanting someone else’s belongings; it also includes wishing ill on that other person simply because he has something that the envious one lacks. Guido’s “lividness” here is a testament to the rage he felt against the person whom he envied. But, again, he justifies his punishment: “From what I’ve sown, this is the straw I reap.” Of course, “straw” is not very valuable, so Guido suggests that what he sewed in life was not something to be envied.

The Slothful are punished by an immoderate sense of haste; they feel the urge to rush everywhere. This obviously has physical ramifications, wearing down their bodies and feet, but also not allowing their minds to reflect or relax. However, the sense of justice pervades here – as with all the penitents – because “where urge for good is keen," “grace finds new green.” They realize that their suffering now will result in a rebirth (“new green”) of their grace, after which they’ll be permitted to enter Heaven.

Because the Avaricious have twisted their natural desires towards material goods and have spent their whole lives pursuing wealth, their ability to reach out and grab things is restricted in Purgatory. As Pope Adrian V explains, “justice here fetters our hands and feet and holds us captive,” leaving the sinners “motionless.” Because in life the Avaricious never turned their eyes upward towards God in desire, here they are punished by being forced to look downwards – just as they did on earth. But, like the others, Pope Adrian recognizes the justice of his situation, even naming “justice” as the force that punishes him.