[Text]

[satsujin_ai]

'Through me you enter into the city of woes
Through me you enter into eternal pain,
Through me you enter the population of loss.

Abandon all hope, you who enter here.'

It's reminiscent, isn't it?

It is the truth here.. until a simple pleasure distracts the pain. The joy will overcome it for hours, days, while the darkness waits.

Though I am

Comments

divine comedy /ping

[angelic_lawyer]

Which ring of Hell would you liken the city to, or would simply say that the city is only the entrance to Hell?

[satsujin_ai]

I believe there ought to be a sign at the outskirts with these words written upon it.

Even then, I suppose people would forget.. for a time.

[angelic_lawyer]

Could the city really be Hell, then? The point is that one doesn't forget that that is where they are, that there is no hope for forgiveness of sins and no respite from eternal torment.

[satsujin_ai]

Their despair calls these words to mind, yet they do forget, only to repeat the cycle. In this way, perhaps it is more akin to purgatory than hell.

If they did not receive their respite, the pain would not seem as fresh, as shocking each time.

[angelic_lawyer]

I must admit, I've always considered this city to be more akin to Purgatory than Hell. That said, there are inhabitants who would be more suited to Hell than they would Purgatory.

Perhaps. It depends entirely on the pain, though.

[satsujin_ai]

I consider it a dichotomy. A simple purgatory doesn't match the bipolar flow of pain and elation here.

Who do you imagine suited for hell? No doubt I would be on your list.

Most pains are more bearable in constant doses.

[angelic_lawyer]

'Simple Purgatory'. I doubt whether Purgatory was created with the intent of being simple, but point taken.

Most. Myself included. The scientists seem to have a penchant for bringing those to the city who do not care about sins, who are unable to atone for their sins, or simply do not wish to.

In some ways that's true, but as I said, it still depends on the pain and in many ways, the person experiencing the pain. You cause illusions, do you not? As a result, I'm sure you're as aware of that fact as I am.

[satsujin_ai]

I doubt it was.. but neither was it meant to be heaven and hell sewn clumsily into one.

Oh I disagree.. somewhat. Others seem to wish redemption for these unforgivable sins (pointless, would you say?). I suppose that would fall into the 'unable to atone' category.

I won't argue that point. Each person breaks differently, though the human mind has certain and common mechanisms for dealing with certain types of pain.

[angelic_lawyer]

I agree. As a concept, Purgatory is interesting. In many ways, I think the 'best' Purgatory is that which man makes himself.

Atoning for sins is a difficult process. When is it ever enough? One wrong deed can destroy a persons chance of happiness, for example.

Would you mind if I ask what those are, in your opinion.