Inferno portrays a grim reality where humanity is ensnared in a relentless cycle of suffering. The world depicted is one where torment and evil reign supreme, leaving individuals powerless against the overwhelming forces of disease and death. This dystopian landscape is populated by criminals and sinners, creating an environment rife with decay and corruption. The narrator finds themselves in a relentless struggle, confronted by the harsh realities of excrement and filth, as well as the persecution of diabolical machines, pushing them to the very edge of sanity.

In this world, any attempt to rebel against the prevailing order is deemed futile, as rebellion only leads to pride and ultimately, retribution. The pursuit of wealth and fame becomes a cruel irony, as these ambitions transform into instruments of personal torment. Relationships, once grounded in love, sour into hate; friends morph into foes, and virtues are distorted into vices. This depiction serves as a stark reminder of the inherent fragility and vulnerability of the human condition in the face of unrelenting adversity.

August Strindberg, wrestling with the existential enigma epitomized by the biblical figure of Job, often perceives human suffering as a path to purification. This perspective views suffering not merely as a consequence of sin but as a profound spiritual cleansing. Strindberg contends that suffering may even arise from transgressions committed in previous lives, hinting at an intricate web of karma and moral accountability that transcends the boundaries of a single lifetime.

In his explorations, Strindberg weaves together threads from diverse philosophical and theological traditions, blending elements of Catholic and Protestant beliefs with Buddhist principles, Swedenborgian mysticism, and occultist thought. This eclectic synthesis, however, often leads to more questions than answers, generating a landscape rich with paradoxes. In a gesture of consolation, he suggests that those who endure profound mental anguish are, in fact, singled out as God’s chosen individuals.

Yet, lurking within Strindberg's portrayal of divinity is the image of an unpredictable and enigmatic deity. This divine presence, capable of bringing the mighty low and transforming knowledge into folly, reveals the precariousness of human existence. In this view, life becomes an unpredictable play, where even the most revered prophets might find themselves as mere jesters. Through this lens, Strindberg presents a vision of existence that is both sobering and ironically comforting, where suffering serves as both a crucible for the soul and a reminder of the divine paradox that governs the universe.