Hypocrites are people who, in life, do differently what they say and do not seem who they really are. For example, let's say a person suffers from a serious drug addiction, but they run a drug treatment clinic. They would be very hypocritical, because they themselves need help, while they are the ones who seem to be the best of all. The robes fit this analogy because on the outside they appear to be soft golden silk, while on the inside they are lined with thick lead. This relates to hypocrites because outwardly you seem perfect and a fantastic person, but inside you may be facing your own struggles or not making the best choices. The weight of the robes is also important for symbolism, as this weight represents the baggage these people have had to carry internally their entire lives, hiding who they really are from the rest of the world. Now they still have to carry that baggage, but in a physical way, putting so much pressure on themselves that they creak and groan as they cross the eighth