In the "Purgatorio" of Dante's 𝘋𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘥𝘺 are souls who are not bad enough for hell but not good enough for heaven. Souls wait to get into heaven, but the souls don't just sit around. They are put through nightmarish punishments to clean them of their sin. Some of the punishments include having your eyes sewn shut. Having food be just out of reach. The souls are not the only things in Purgatory angels are also there. As Dante is guided through Hell Purgatory and Heaven he discovers his place in the universe. The is lessen in self-discovery
Every area of Purgatory is guarded by an angel that represents one of the seven heavenly virtues. They are the opposites of the seven deadly sins. The purpose of the angels is to guide the souls out of the area of Purgatory when they finish their punishment. The angels are both jail wardens and savors to the souls in Purgatory.