Does the image of souls as fallen leaves merely convey a sense of great numbers or does it contribute to the despairing tone of this canto?

The image of souls as fallen leaves conveys both a sense of great numbers and contributes to the despairing tone of the canto. The comparison evokes a poignant image of fragility and transience, suggesting that these souls are lost and discarded, much like leaves that have fallen from a tree. This imagery enhances the overall feeling of hopelessness, as it underscores the inevitability of decay and the vastness of suffering. Thus, it deepens the emotional impact of the text, reflecting a bleak view of existence.