Dante Inferno (by Anthony Esolen) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Dante Inferno (by Anthony Esolen) - Essay Example Hence, it is interesting to ask the question, â€Å"If Dante had written the Inferno today, who would he have placed as sinners in the different rings of hell?† Who would qualify, indeed? If there was anyone who epitomized lust, it is Hugh Hefner. As the founder of Playboy Magazine, Hefner bragged that â€Å"I have slept with thousands of women, and they all still like me† (Hylton, â€Å"What Ive Learned: Hugh Hefner†). Indeed, being someone who was able to—and at 83 years old still able to—get scores of famous and sexy women to pose nude for a magazine, to expose everything that they have kept hidden and to go to bed with him, with multiple partners at the same time, Hefner is someone who can be expected to appear in the second circle of hell—if it is made a reality. Hefner believes that â€Å"Sex is the driving force on the planet. We should embrace it, not see it as the enemy† (Hylton, â€Å"What Ive Learned: Hugh Hefner†). And he made people believe in this too, with Playboy being one, if not the, of the most popular magazines that caters to men’s sexual fantasies and fetishes. Not only has he lived the life of a lustful, but he has also encouraged others to follow suit. He even admitted the fact that he masturbates when he is alone, although, he says that this rarely ever happens (Hylton, â€Å"What Ive Learned: Hugh Hefner†). The fact that he admitted this even makes masturbation sound cool as it is coming from Hugh Hefner, who is idolized by a multitude of men. It can undeniably be said that Hefner is someone who is a slave to his desires and to carnal pleasure. Indeed, he is a â€Å"carnal malefactor† to the very core of his being. And thus, it is undoubtedly appropriate for him to be flogged by a violent storm, together with the rest of the lustful. â€Å"The infernal hurricane that never rests; Hurtles the spirits onward in its rapine; Whirling them round, and smiting,