The Contrapasso of Caiaphas in Dantes Inferno Essay

In Canto XXIII of Dantes Inferno, the hypocrites, especially Caiaphas, provide an excellent example of Divine Justice as contrapasso. The hypocrites presented their ideas as pure and good, while in reality, they did not act according to their supposed morality or practice the virtues that they preached. Because in life, the hypocrites said one thing and did another, their heavy garments seem one thing and are, yet another. The ornate priestly robes worn by the hypocrites are beautiful and impressive on the outside, but are in reality leaden instruments of torture. Contrapasso is evident in this circle of Hell, because although outwardly the Hypocrites appear lovely and perfect, underneath their gilded exterior lies only the heaviness†¦show more content†¦First, he was a hypocrite – a man who proclaimed to live for God, but lived instead for his own interests. Caiaphas did not carry out the law through his secret actions and private dealings with others. He deliberatel y appeared good and holy to the people, but in reality, he spoke of one doctrine, and lived another. Secondly, Caiaphas, as High Priest, insisted that the Sanhedrin crucify Jesus, because he feared losing his position and power. And thirdly, his hypocrisy sentenced one who was innocent to bear the sins and guilt of all. Caiaphas was purportedly the authority on God’s Word, but he condemned the Word Made Flesh to death on a cross. As the Justice of Inferno indicates, the punishment for Caiaphas three-fold sin is also three-fold. First, because of his hypocritical life, he is damned to the sixth pocket of the eighth circle of Hell, where he will suffer for all eternity. Dante referred to the hypocrites burden as â€Å"a tiring mantle for all eternity† (1.23.67). He described the cloaks as â€Å"so heavy / that Fredericks capes were straw compared to them† (1.23.65-6), which is a reference to Frederick II, who was notorious for executing criminals by wrapping them in metal capes and then melting them. And this is only the punishment for the first part of Caiaphas sins! Secondly, because he condemned the Lord to crucifixion, Caiaphas too is crucified. Thirdly, because he suggested that one man, rather than one nation, should suffer the penalty of