Commentary Inf IV 45

The word sospesi ('suspended') has caused great dispute. Are the limbicoli 'hanging' between heaven and hell? between salvation and damnation? Is there some potential better state awaiting them? Mazzoni's note (Mazz.1965.1), pp. 89-93, leaves little doubt, and resolves their situation as follows: they are punished eternally for their original sin, but are aware (as are none of the other damned souls) of the better life that is denied them. They are 'suspended,' in other words, between their punishment and their impossible desire. See, in agreement, Pertile (Pert.1980.1), p. 18.