Inferno (novel)/YMMV

Values Dissonance: The constant conflict between the strict Christian morals demonstrated in Hell and Carpent(i)er's modern, secular values (probably also those of the authors) lead him to conclude that God Is Evil. However, the fact that most people nowadays are uncomfortable with the concept of infinite damnation for finite sins leads to a Family-Unfriendly Aesop: anyone in Hell can escape if they can get over themselves enough to seek redemption. Even if their punishment involves complete immobility or vigilant guards. Then again, there seem to be souls whose duty is to guide others, including Benny - and ultimately Carpenter himself.
- Dante's Inferno was also based on older concepts. The sequel is post Vatican 2, and thus deals with it very differently in dealing with the value's dissonance.
- The guards almost never stop anyone from going deeper into hell, as very few believe anything exists down there but worse punishments. And the sequel has Carpenter dealing with the people that are trapped and immobile, trying to prove to himself that his idea that anyone can leave is correct.
- The middle ring of the seventh circle is the Wood of Suicides in Dante's Inferno, with a sideline in punishing the "violently wasteful" (profligate). Now, the wood is gone and the profligate are far more numerous. (Examples in Strawman Political).