Inferno Analysis of Limbo
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Limbo, the first circle of Hell has a number of unique characteristics that sets it apart from the other circles that make up Hell. It is not a happy place, but it is contemplative and calm. Limbo resembles the Elysian Fields of Virgil's epic poem, Aeneid where Aeneas meets his father. Since the virtuous pagans that are housed here are certainly not evil, and because the failings that they have are due to human reason alone, these souls are not tormented like the other souls throughout Hell, rather they can converse with one another among green fields and noble castles.
As Dante and Virgil cross the river Acheron, they appear at Limbo, the first circle, and a unique place within the structure of Hell. The souls of unbaptized children and virtuous pagans lay here. These souls are not here because they have sinned but because they were born before the light of Christ's revelation, and therefore, they have been denied the right to come into the light of God. These souls are not tormented in Limbo, they live with the hopeless desire of reaching God which they cannot achieve since they will remain in Hell forever.
At first, Dante is afraid to walk into this circle since he sees Virgil's face turn pale. Assuming that it is fear that has caused the guide's face to turn this way, Dante questions Virgil as to how he will be able to handle this journey if his guide is afraid to walk any further...