Basic Introduction 6

Basic Introduction: Circle 6, The Heretics Circle 6 is the beginning of Lower Hell. Dante and Virgil must pass through the gate of the City of Dis. This circle is surrounded by fiery tombs in which the Heretics lie. The people in this circle pursued pleasure in life because they believed the soul died with the body. They denied God’s existence. The Heretics lie in chests resembling tombs but the tombs are made of iron and heated by fire. They are also uncovered and the lids are on the ground. As Datne is passing through this circle, he notices Farinata. He’s a war chief from Tuscany. Him and Dante talk briefly and are interrupted by Cavalcante del Cavalcanti. He is the father of Guido, who is a friend to Dante. Cavalcanti asks why Guido is not with Dante. Fredrick the II and Cardinal of the Ubaldini are also in this circle. There are no mentionable creatures that Dante sees or passes. It’s all him talking to men mentioned above.