The Seven Deadly Sins

Pride What it is: Pride is excessive belief in one's own abilities, that interferes with the individual's recognition of the grace of God. It has been called the sin from which all others arise. Pride is also known as Vanity. Why you do it: Well-meaning elementary school teachers told you to "believe in yourself." Your punishment in Hell will be: You'll be broken on the wheel. Associated symbols & suchlike: Pride is linked with the color violet.

Envy What it is: Envy is the desire for others' traits, status, abilities, or situation. Why you do it: Because other people are so much luckier, smarter, more attractive, and better than you. Your punishment in Hell will be: You'll be put in freezing water. Associated symbols & suchlike: Envy is linked with the color green. References The Travelers' Guide to Hell says Envy is ruled by the celestial sign of the Moon, and is "the key behind every advertisement." Incidentally, this book actually mentions the Seven Deadly Sins Homepage. All your friends are buying it. Imagine the embarrassment if you're the only one to miss out!

Anger What it is: Anger is manifested in the individual who spurns love and opts instead for fury. It is also known as Wrath. Why you do it: You're wired for it. Also, the people around you are pretty damn irritating. Your punishment in Hell will be: You'll be dismembered alive. Associated symbols & suchlike: Anger is linked with the color red. References In The Canterbury Tales, Geoffrey Chaucer called Anger "the fervent blood of Man yquyked in his herte, thurgh which he wole harm to hym that he hateth./ For certes, the herte of man, by eschawfynge and moevynge of his blood, wexeth so trouble that he is out of alle juggement of resoun." (The Parson's Tale)

Sloth What it is: Sloth is the avoidance of physical or spiritual work. Why you do it: You're shiftless, lazy, and good fer nuthin'. Your punishment in Hell will be: You'll be thrown into snake pits. Associated symbols & suchlike: Sloth is linked with the color light blue. Medieval theologian Thomas Aquinas said Sloth is "sluggishness of the mind which neglects to begin good... [it] is evil in its effect, if it so oppresses man as to draw him away entirely from good deeds." (2,35, ad 1)

Greed What it is: Greed is the desire for material wealth or gain, ignoring the realm of the spiritual. It is also called Avarice or Covetousness. Why you do it: You live in possibly the most pampered, consumerist society since the Roman Empire. Your punishment in Hell will be: You'll be boiled alive in oil. Bear in mind that it's the finest, most luxurious boiling oil that money can buy, but it's still boiling. Associated symbols & suchlike: Greed is linked with the color yellow.

Gluttony What it is: Gluttony is an inordinate desire to consume more than that which one requires. Why you do it: Because you were weaned improperly as an infant. Your punishment in Hell will be: You'll be force-fed rats, toads, and snakes. Associated symbols & suchlike: Gluttony is linked with the pig and the color orange.

Lust What it is: Lust is an inordinate craving for the pleasures of the body. Why you do it: Oh, please. Your punishment in Hell will be: You'll be smothered in fire and brimstone. Not kisses. Associated symbols & suchlike: Lust is linked with the color blue.

Gluttony vs. Temperance Greed vs. Charity Sloth vs. Diligence The Roman Catholic Church also recognizes seven virtues, which correspond inversely to each of the seven deadly sins. Vice Virtue Lust vs. Chastity Gluttony vs. Temperance Greed vs. Charity Sloth vs. Diligence Wrath vs. Patience Envy vs. Kindness Pride vs. Humility

Vocabulary Terms Elizabethan Drama Shakespearean Tragedy Tragic Hero Tragic flaw Round Characters Flat Characters Dramatic foil Dramatic Irony Blank Verse Conflict Internal/External Stanza Couplet Quatrain