Question

read lines 115 - 123 from canto ix: the sarcophagi make all the ground uneven, so did they here, lying every whichway, except that their condition was far worse. for there among the tombs were scattered flames that made them glow all over with more heat than any craftsman requires for his iron. all of their open lids were lifted up, and from inside such harsh laments escaped as would come from the wretched and the injured. in what way does the setting express dantes views about heretics in these lines? a. the crowded graves of the heretics depict dantes notion that heresy is the greatest sin. b. the desperate cries of the sinners represents dantes lack of compassion for the heretics. c. the harshness of the punishment explains dantes feelings of injustice toward heretics. d. the chaos of the scene means dante thinks of heretics thoughts and behavior as illogical.

Explanation:

Dante describes heretics in a place with uneven - lying sarcophagi, hot flames, and harsh laments. The desperate cries of the sinners suggest Dante has no pity for them. Option A is not supported as there's no indication heresy is the greatest sin. Option C is wrong as there's no sign of Dante feeling injustice. Option D about illogical thoughts is not shown.

Answer:

B. The desperate cries of the sinners represents Dante's lack of compassion for the heretics.