The Inferno · Chapter
XIV: Tribulations explained
The narrator describes his internal struggle while confined in a university town, reflecting on his past terrors and the teachings of Swedenborg and Balzac.
What happens
The narrator describes his internal struggle while confined in a university town, reflecting on his past terrors and the teachings of Swedenborg and Balzac. He grapples with repentance, the absurdity of his life's trajectory, and the paradox of virtue leading to sin. He explores the concept of hell on earth, the 'mills of God,' and the futility of seeking joy, concluding that suffering is a form of divine punishment and grace.
Themes in this chapter
Guilt and Redemption
The narrator struggles with repentance, the futility of good works, and the concept of suffering as a form of paying off debts.
Suffering and Punishment
The chapter extensively describes hell on earth, the 'mills of God,' and the idea that sins are punishments for previous sins.
Characters to notice
- August Strindberg
The narrator, reflecting on his own life and struggles.
- Swedenborg
Explained the true character of the narrator's terrors and pointed the way to salvation through repentance.
- Balzac
Quoted from 'Séraphita' regarding repentance as the only power to end sin.
- Luther
Referenced for his views on hell on earth and the sinfulness of good works.
Key passages
“Swedenborg, by explaining to me the true character of my terrors during the last year, has delivered me from the fear of electricians, 'black' magicians, wizards, the ambition of the gold-maker, and from madness.”
Swedenborg's explanation of my past terrors freed me from various fears and the pursuit of alchemy.
The narrator credits Swedenborg with delivering him from multiple fears and delusions.
“Those are the 'mills of God' which grind slowly but exceeding small. You are ground to powder, and think it is over. But no! You are brought again to the mill. Be thankful!”
The 'mills of God' grind you down repeatedly, and you should be grateful for this ongoing punishment.
The narrator describes the relentless nature of divine punishment.
“I look for God and find the Devil! That is my destiny!”
My search for God always leads me to the Devil instead.
The narrator expresses his despair at finding evil where he seeks good.