When they entered the first circle of Hell, Dante saw words that he thought were cruel written on the gates of Hell and heard all sorts of confusing and frightening noises. Dante asks Virgil what the words and sounds he sees and hears mean and Virgil explains that they are in hell “And I: Master, what torments do they suffer that force them to complain so bitterly? He replied: “I will tell you in a few words: these unfortunates have no hope of truly dying, and this blind life they lead is so abject that it makes them envy every other fate” (Canto III, lines 43-48). In each circle of hell, Virgil explains to Dante what sin the souls have committed and their punishments for committing the sins. Without Virgil's help, Dante would be very confused and this would have scared him even more. Having the help of Virgil explaining all the confusing noises and events that are occurring helps keep Dante informed and