It is basically a punishment that fits the crime... or sin.

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In Dante's "Inferno," punishment is determined by the principle of contrapasso, where sinners experience a punishment that corresponds to their sins. For example, fraudulent individuals are forever immersed in boiling tar, reflecting how they deceived others and were themselves never at peace. Through contrapasso, Dante illustrates the idea that the consequences of one's actions are intertwined with the sins themselves.

In Dante's Inferno, the symbolic retribution is the concept of contrapasso, where sinners are punished in a way that reflects their sins. This ensures that their punishment is just and fitting to their transgressions. The idea is to balance divine justice with poetic justice.

The narrative structure of Dante's "Inferno" follows a journey through Hell, guided by the Roman poet Virgil. It is divided into nine circles, each punishing different sins, culminating in Satan at the center of Hell. The structure reflects the idea of contrapasso, where sinners are punished in a way that mirrors their crimes.