Explain how and why Dante places figures with whom he appears to have at least some kind of sympathy

I don’t believe that Dante had any sympathy for Odysseus. In Greek culture, Odysseus was portrayed as “god like” and worthy to be among the gods. In Dante’s Inferno, however, Odysseus is a sinner burning in hell for his crimes during the Trojan War. In addition, Odysseus is deep in hell in the Eighth Pouch of the Eighth Circle of Hell. Dante mentions Odysseus to illustrate that Odysseus’ crimes went against Christian morals. Among the Greeks, Odysseus’ role in the Trojan War may have been seen as heroic. On the contrary, in Dante’s Inferno, nobody can escape punishments if they act against Christian standards. Also, Dante reveres Rome, which back then was an enemy of the Greeks. Thus, showing one of Greek’s greatest hero in hell, Dante sheds light on the relationship between the Romans and the Greeks.