The second Bolgia of Malebolge contained the Flaterers.  Their punisment is to be stuck in a ditch of excrement, "that seemed the overflow of the world's latrines" and is the equvalent of their false flatteries from earth.   Here they see Alessio Interminelli da Lucca.  He was one of the prominent white familys of Lucca, but not much else is known.  Also there is Thais.  She was accused of being too flattering in her response to a lover when asked if she liked a slave he gave her.  Dantes opinion is based on something Cicero said about the play Eunuchus written by Terence. 

This section marks a change in the sinners atttitude.  Before now, they were eager to be noticed and recognized.  But when Dante noticed Venedico Caccianemico, Venedico tried to hide his face and begged to be forgotten. This is the way of the sinners and will be continued through the last pit of Hell. The sinners that are recognized beg to be forgotten

Symbolism

The word Malebolge means ditch or pouch, and there is no direct translation. Dante uses this word for both meanings, so that when he says Malebolge, it means both a ditch of evil, and also a pouch of it, full of sinning souls.

Allusions

Dante alludes to Classical Mythology in this Canto with his reference to Jason, the leader of the Argonauts, who captured the Golden Fleece.