# Canto XXVIII: The Ninth Bolgia of the Schismatics explained — The Divine Comedy

> Chapter companion for The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri.

## What happens

Dante and Virgil enter the Ninth Bolgia of the Eighth Circle, where the schismatics and sowers of discord are horribly mutilated. They encounter Mahomet, Ali, Pier da Medicina, Curio, Mosca, and Bertrand de Born, each suffering a punishment that mirrors their earthly sins of division.

## Themes in this chapter

### Divine Justice

The contrapasso punishment of the schismatics—being physically split and mutilated—mirrors their earthly sin of dividing others.

### Suffering and Compassion

Dante's horror and pity at the grotesque wounds reflect the tension between divine justice and human empathy.

## Character check-ins

### Dante Alighieri

The pilgrim observes the gruesome punishments of the schismatics and speaks with several of the damned.

### Virgil

Virgil explains to Mahomet that Dante is still alive and being guided through Hell for instruction.

### Pope Boniface VIII

Referenced indirectly through the prophecy of Pier da Medicina regarding the betrayal of Guido and Angiolello by a one-eyed tyrant.

## Key lines

> See now how I rend me; How mutilated, see, is Mahomet; In front of me doth Ali weeping go, Cleft in the face from forelock unto chin;

Mahomet shows Dante his own body torn open and points to Ali, whose face is split from top to bottom.

_Mahomet explains that he and Ali are punished as schismatics, their bodies cleaved as they divided others._

> Because I parted persons so united, Parted do I now bear my brain, alas! From its beginning, which is in this trunk.

Bertrand de Born says that because he separated a father and son, his own head is now severed from his body.

_Bertrand de Born's contrapasso reflects his role in inciting rebellion between Henry II and his son._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_divine_comedy_se/chapters/canto-xxviii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_divine_comedy_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_divine_comedy_se/chapters