Dante: The Divine Comedy. Dante Alighieri: His Life & Times.

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Dante: The Divine Comedy Slide 2 Dante Alighieri: His Life & Times Slide 3 Dante: The Political Background Two entities battled for control of Italy: 1.The Holy Roman Empire 2. The Papacy/Papal States Two entities battled for control of Italy: 1.The Holy Roman Empire 2. The Papacy/Papal States Slide 4 Ahi, Costantin, di quanto mal fu matre... The Donation of Constantine : A forged document of Emperor Constantine the Great (4 th c. AD), by which large privileges and rich possessions were conferred on the pope (Sylvester I) and the Roman Church. It first appears during the Middle Ages and is used by the papacy to claim temporal power in Italy, especially against the advances of the Holy Roman Empire. The Donation of Constantine : A forged document of Emperor Constantine the Great (4 th c. AD), by which large privileges and rich possessions were conferred on the pope (Sylvester I) and the Roman Church. It first appears during the Middle Ages and is used by the papacy to claim temporal power in Italy, especially against the advances of the Holy Roman Empire. Slide 5 Strife in Florence Guelphs: Supporters of Florentine independence from the Holy Roman Empire Ghibellines: Noble families who supported the Holy Roman Empires interests in Northern Italy. In Florence, the Guelphs triumphed; Dante was a Florentine Guelph. His political views later in life, however, would dispose him to favor the Holy Roman Empire in its opposition to a grasping papacy. Guelphs: Supporters of Florentine independence from the Holy Roman Empire Ghibellines: Noble families who supported the Holy Roman Empires interests in Northern Italy. In Florence, the Guelphs triumphed; Dante was a Florentine Guelph. His political views later in life, however, would dispose him to favor the Holy Roman Empire in its opposition to a grasping papacy. Slide 6 Dante in Exile In about the year 1300, the Florentine Guelphs splintered into Blacks and Whites, with the White Guelphs gradually feeling that the papacy, not the Holy Roman Empire, was the greater threat to Italy. Dante was one of these White Guelphs who strongly opposed papal intervention in secular affairs. In 1302, the Black Guelphs exiled Dante while he was away on a diplomatic mission. Dante never returned to Florence, and the citys relationship to his legacy is a complicated one. Dantes politics figure prominently in the Divine Comedy, and his exile can be discerned in the themes of wandering and searching for a home. Dante the Pilgrim vs. Dante the Poet In about the year 1300, the Florentine Guelphs splintered into Blacks and Whites, with the White Guelphs gradually feeling that the papacy, not the Holy Roman Empire, was the greater threat to Italy. Dante was one of these White Guelphs who strongly opposed papal intervention in secular affairs. In 1302, the Black Guelphs exiled Dante while he was away on a diplomatic mission. Dante never returned to Florence, and the citys relationship to his legacy is a complicated one. Dantes politics figure prominently in the Divine Comedy, and his exile can be discerned in the themes of wandering and searching for a home. Dante the Pilgrim vs. Dante the Poet Slide 7 The mosaic ceiling of the Baptistry in Florence. Slide 8 Slide 9 Slide 10 Trinitarian Imagery in the Divine Comedy 3 canticles: Inferno, Purgatorio, Paradiso Inferno : 1 introductory canto and 33 Inferno cantos proper. Purgatorio : 33 cantos. Paradiso : 33 cantos. Terza rima: The interlocking rhyme scheme of the Divine Comedy: aba bcb, cdc, etc. 11 syllables per line; 3 lines in a tercet=33 syllables. Many other multiples of 3 (e.g., 9 circles of Hell). 3 canticles: Inferno, Purgatorio, Paradiso Inferno : 1 introductory canto and 33 Inferno cantos proper. Purgatorio : 33 cantos. Paradiso : 33 cantos. Terza rima: The interlocking rhyme scheme of the Divine Comedy: aba bcb, cdc, etc. 11 syllables per line; 3 lines in a tercet=33 syllables. Many other multiples of 3 (e.g., 9 circles of Hell). A B A B C B C D C D E D Slide 11 Dante & Structure: Fearful and Sacred Symmetry Slide 12 Slide 13 Fictional Time and the Role of Prophecy Dante probably began the Divine Comedy around 1307 and worked on it until his death in 1321. However, he sets his Divine Comedy during Easter Week in the year 1300. CQ: Why might Dante have chosen to set the Divine Comedy during Easter Week? 1.Easter week reinforces the Christian treatment of death and renewal. 2.Dante is able to prophesy events to which he already knows the outcome; he and other characters thus seem to have prophetic power in the Divine Comedy. A Divine Comedy timeline: Good Friday: Dantes descent into the InfernoGood Friday: Dantes descent into the Inferno Dawn, Easter Sunday: Dante arrives at Mt. Purgatory. He spends 3 nights there.Dawn, Easter Sunday: Dante arrives at Mt. Purgatory. He spends 3 nights there. Noon Wednesday of Easter Week: Dante ascends into Paradise.Noon Wednesday of Easter Week: Dante ascends into Paradise. Slide 14 Dante dies in Ravenna Slide 15 Dante Alighieri The Divine Comedy: Inferno Slide 16 Inferno 1 Nel mezzo del cammin di nostra vita mi ritrovai per una selva oscura che le diritta via era smarrita Dante is 35 and is lost. The allegory of the "selva oscura"; temptation in the wilderness. Nel mezzo del cammin di nostra vita mi ritrovai per una selva oscura che le diritta via era smarrita Dante is 35 and is lost. The allegory of the "selva oscura"; temptation in the wilderness. Slide 17 Dantes Beasts: Symbolism of Sin Jeremiah 5:5 I will get me unto the great men, and will speak unto them; for they have known the way of the LORD, [and] the judgment of their God: but these have altogether broken the yoke, [and] burst the bonds. Jeremiah 5:6 Wherefore a lion out of the forest shall slay them, [and] a wolf of the evenings shall spoil them, a leopard shall watch over their cities: every one that goeth out thence shall be torn in pieces: because their transgressions are many, [and] their backslidings are increased. Leopard=Lust Lion=Pride Wolf=Covetousness Leopard=Fraud Lion=Violence Wolf=Incontinence Slide 18 Dantes Hound: Political Prophecy in the Divine Comedy Cangrande della Scala: Powerful Ghibelline from Verona and patron/protector of Dante. Dante desperately hoped for a unifier/redeemer of Italy to restore the land to the kind of unity it enjoyed during the Roman Empire. Slide 19 Cantos 1 & 2: Virgil CQ: Why do you think Dante made this pre- Christian writer his guide through the Inferno? Slide 20 Aeneas founded Rome, and Rome (under Augustus) subdued the Mediterranean world so that Christ could be born during an auspicious age (the Pax Romana). Moreover, Rome became the seat of the Church. Dantes idea is that Aeneas and Augustus Caesar were unwittingly used by God for sacred purposes. Dante longs for the time when Italy can be unified again; see 2.10 ff. Slide 21 But I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord: I know a man in Christ fourteen years ago (whether in the body, I know not; or out of the body, I know not, God knoweth) snatched up in this manner to the third heaven: and I know such a man, whether in the body or out of the body I know not, God knoweth; how that he was snatched up into Paradise and heard secret words which it is not lawful for men to speak; on behalf of such a one will I glory; but on mine own behalf I will not glory, save in my infirmities.2 Cor. 12:1-5. See also the fourth-century apocryphal Visio Pauli, section 31 ff. See also the fourth-century apocryphal Visio Pauli, section 31 ff. But I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord: I know a man in Christ fourteen years ago (whether in the body, I know not; or out of the body, I know not, God knoweth) snatched up in this manner to the third heaven: and I know such a man, whether in the body or out of the body I know not, God knoweth; how that he was snatched up into Paradise and heard secret words which it is not lawful for men to speak; on behalf of such a one will I glory; but on mine own behalf I will not glory, save in my infirmities.2 Cor. 12:1-5. See also the fourth-century apocryphal Visio Pauli, section 31 ff. See also the fourth-century apocryphal Visio Pauli, section 31 ff. Slide 22 Canto 2: Beatrice Note the Trinitarian imagery; the three ladies. Dante was born in Florence in 1265, meets Beatrice Portinari in 1274. Beatrice (12661290) dies fairly young at the age of 25. Note the Trinitarian imagery; the three ladies. Dante was born in Florence in 1265, meets Beatrice Portinari in 1274. Beatrice (12661290) dies fairly young at the age of 25. Slide 23 Images of Florence The small church where Dantes Beatrice is buried. Dante undoubtedly walked this street and spent time here. Slide 24 Dantes Hell and the Hierarchy of Sin Slide 25 Canto 3: Ante-Inferno. "Abandon every hope...." The entrance to Hell.The entrance to Hell. "The good of the intellect" and Dantes hierarchy of sin."The good of the intellect" and Dantes hierarchy of sin. Ante-Inferno. Be ye not lukewarm!Ante-Inferno. Be ye not lukewarm! The entrance to Hell.The entrance to Hell. "The good of the intellect" and Dantes hierarchy of sin."The good of the intellect" and Dantes hierarchy of sin. Ante-Inferno. Be ye not lukewarm!Ante-Inferno. Be ye not lukewarm! Slide 26 He who made the great refusal: Celestine V? Pilate? Celestine VCelestine V The "hermit pope Celestine V. The Legend of Boniface VIIIs trick.The Legend of Boniface VIIIs trick. All sorts of rumors followed [Celestine V s] resignation. [Celestine] had built himself a hut in the Vatican where he could live like a hermit. Supposedly [Boniface VIII] thrust a reed through the wall of the hut and pretended he was the voice of God ordering Celestine to resign. Since his mind was undecided as to his proper course, this trick is said to have convinced him. Charon and the epic simile of the leaves, 3.109 ff.Charon and the epic simile of the leaves, 3.109 ff. Slide 27 Canto 4: Limbo, the first circle "And if they lived before Christianity, They did not worship God in fitting ways; And of such spirits I myself am one. For these defects, and for no other evil, We now are lost and punished just with this: We have no hope and yet we live in longing." Wailing babies in Hell? A new, more grace-filled vision: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article598134.ece The virtuous pagans Homer, Horace, Ovid, Lucan, Virgil. CQ: How do these poets receive Dante? How does Dante seem to view himself here? CQ: How do these poets receive Dante? How does Dante seem to view himself here? "And if they lived before Christianity, They did not worship God in fitting ways; And of such spirits I myself am one. For these defects, and for no other evil, We now are lost and punished just with this: We have no hope and yet we live in longing." Wailing babies in Hell? A new, more grace-filled vision: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article598134.ece The virtuous pagans Homer, Horace, Ovid, Lucan, Virgil. CQ: How do these poets receive Dante? How does Dante seem to view himself here? CQ: How do these poets receive Dante? How does Dante seem to view himself here? Slide 28 Roll Call of Virtuous Pagans Greco-Roman literary heroes. Note that Muslims Saladin, Avicenna, and Averroes are in Limbo. Avicenna: Arab physician and commentator on Aristotle.Avicenna: Arab physician and commentator on Aristotle. Averroes: Another Arab commentator on Aristotle.Averroes: Another Arab commentator on Aristotle. Saladin: Great Muslim opponent of Christian crusading forces.Saladin: Great Muslim opponent of Christian crusading forces. CQ: What does the presence of these men amid the virtuous pagans suggest about Dantes vision of Hell and those who populate it? Greco-Roman literary heroes. Note that Muslims Saladin, Avicenna, and Averroes are in Limbo. Avicenna: Arab physician and commentator on Aristotle.Avicenna: Arab physician and commentator on Aristotle. Averroes: Another Arab commentator on Aristotle.Averroes: Another Arab commentator on Aristotle. Saladin: Great Muslim opponent of Christian crusading forces.Saladin: Great Muslim opponent of Christian crusading forces. CQ: What does the presence of these men amid the virtuous pagans suggest about Dantes vision of Hell and those who populate it? http://www.kingdomofheavendvd.com/mainframe.htm Slide 29 The Harrowing of Hell; 4.52 ff. The Harrowing of Hell, from the Tiberius Psalter (mid 11th c.). Possibly suggested by 1 Peter 3:18-20: "18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: 19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; 20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the long-suffering of God waited in the days of Noah...." "18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: 19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; 20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the long-suffering of God waited in the days of Noah...." A tradition developed that during the three days between Christs Crucifixion and Resurrection, Christ descended into Hell, bound Satan, and freed the souls of the virtuous who died before Christ could effect their redemption. Slide 30 San Marco Anastasis, Venice He carried off the shade of our first father Slide 31 Inferno 5: The Lustful Minos, Judge of Hell. 5.22 ff.; Gods presence even in Hell. Symbolic Retribution: The notion that the punishment for various sins somehow relates to the sin itself in Dantes Inferno. This concept is also called contrappasso. CQ: How does this concept operate in this circle of Hell? Dido, Helen, Cleopatra. CQ: Why isnt Dido in the circle of the suicides (Seventh circle; Canto XIII; the Violent Against Themselves)? Paolo & Francesca; 5. 89 ff.; Francesca's courtly speech; their adultery. Dantes palinode? Minos, Judge of Hell. 5.22 ff.; Gods presence even in Hell. Symbolic Retribution: The notion that the punishment for various sins somehow relates to the sin itself in Dantes Inferno. This concept is also called contrappasso. CQ: How does this concept operate in this circle of Hell? Dido, Helen, Cleopatra. CQ: Why isnt Dido in the circle of the suicides (Seventh circle; Canto XIII; the Violent Against Themselves)? Paolo & Francesca; 5. 89 ff.; Francesca's courtly speech; their adultery. Dantes palinode? Slide 32 Minos: A later reflex Michelangelo and Biagio da Cesena Biagio criticized the nudity in Michelangelo's art, so Michelangelo painted him in the Sistine Chapel as a foolish, ass-eared Minos with a serpent gnawing at his genitals! Michelangelo and Biagio da Cesena Biagio criticized the nudity in Michelangelo's art, so Michelangelo painted him in the Sistine Chapel as a foolish, ass-eared Minos with a serpent gnawing at his genitals! Slide 33 Paolo & Francesca in the Arts Anselm Feuerbach J. Ingres Slide 34 Paolo & Francesca in the Arts Amos Cassioli Marie-Phillippe Coupin de la Couperie Slide 35 Paolo & Francesca in the Arts Alessandro Kokocinski; Ary Scheffer Alessandro Kokocinski; Ary Scheffer Slide 36 Silent Film: L'Inferno - Giuseppe de Liguoro (1911) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrI1VAQEos8 Slide 37 Paolo & Francesca These young lovers are here because they committed adultery, and the winds that blow them about are an infernal version of the gusts of desire that drove them in life. But if we stop here we will make the same mistake as does the pilgrim Dante, who feels for them exactly the wrong sort of pity. For Francescas punishment is not to whirl about endlessly, locked in the arms of her beloved: after all, is that really a punishment? No, her punishment is to repeat throughout eternity the act of seduction that brought about her damnation; and Paolos punishment is to watch her as she works her wiles. It is no accident that in the conversation with Dante and Virgil Paolo says not a word but only sobs; indeed, Francesca refers to him only once, with the contemptuous demonstrative pronoun questi, this one, who never shall be parted from me. And whom does Francesca seduce? After listening to her tell her carefully crafted tale of loveone that incorporates within it lines from the kind of lyric poetry that Dante himself had written as a youthDante falls to the ground with pity. Indeed, his description is painfully apt: And then I fell as a dead body fallsan act all too appropriate for a man in Hell. Slide 38 Paolo & Francesca Nor does Francescas power stop at Dante, for it has worked its magic on generations of readers. The challenge of this scene is to remember its deep significance that this woman is in Hell, that she is currently repeating the very sin that put her therewhile she does everything in her power to make you forget. NAWM Headnote Slide 39 Inferno 19: The Simonists Simony: The buying and selling of church offices or any other spiritual good. Acts 8:9-24 But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one: .. And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and [in] the bond of iniquity. Simony: The buying and selling of church offices or any other spiritual good. Acts 8:9-24 But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one: .. And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and [in] the bond of iniquity. Slide 40 Inferno 19: The Simonists Along the sides and down along the bottom, I saw that livid rock was perforated: The openings were all one width and round. They did not seem to me less broad or more Than those that in my handsome San Giovanni Were made to serve as basins for baptizing Pope Nicholas III. Pope Nicholas III. Prediction of Boniface VIIIs damnation. Prediction of Boniface VIIIs damnation. Dantes respect for the papal office: 19.100 ff. Dantes respect for the papal office: 19.100 ff. The Donation of Constantine: 19.115. The Donation of Constantine: 19.115. Dantes heart begins to harden, as it should. Dantes heart begins to harden, as it should. Along the sides and down along the bottom, I saw that livid rock was perforated: The openings were all one width and round. They did not seem to me less broad or more Than those that in my handsome San Giovanni Were made to serve as basins for baptizing Pope Nicholas III. Pope Nicholas III. Prediction of Boniface VIIIs damnation. Prediction of Boniface VIIIs damnation. Dantes respect for the papal office: 19.100 ff. Dantes respect for the papal office: 19.100 ff. The Donation of Constantine: 19.115. The Donation of Constantine: 19.115. Dantes heart begins to harden, as it should. Dantes heart begins to harden, as it should. http://youtu.be/3fh04bxcsgU?t=2m1s Slide 41 Clement V & the Babylonian Captivity Babylonian Captivity: In Church history, the Babylonian Captivity or Avignon Papacy was the period from 1305 to 1378 during which the Pope lived in Avignon (now a part of France) rather than in Rome. For a time, two popes sat in Avignon and Romeclearly a problem and sometimes called the the "Western schism.-- modified from Wiki, which you should never cite Babylonian Captivity: In Church history, the Babylonian Captivity or Avignon Papacy was the period from 1305 to 1378 during which the Pope lived in Avignon (now a part of France) rather than in Rome. For a time, two popes sat in Avignon and Romeclearly a problem and sometimes called the the "Western schism.-- modified from Wiki, which you should never cite Western schismWestern schism Babylonian Captivity: In Church history, the Babylonian Captivity or Avignon Papacy was the period from 1305 to 1378 during which the Pope lived in Avignon (now a part of France) rather than in Rome. For a time, two popes sat in Avignon and Romeclearly a problem and sometimes called the the "Western schism.-- modified from Wiki, which you should never cite Babylonian Captivity: In Church history, the Babylonian Captivity or Avignon Papacy was the period from 1305 to 1378 during which the Pope lived in Avignon (now a part of France) rather than in Rome. For a time, two popes sat in Avignon and Romeclearly a problem and sometimes called the the "Western schism.-- modified from Wiki, which you should never cite Western schismWestern schism Slide 42 The Papal Palace at Avignon Slide 43 The 4 Zones of Hells Last circle: treachery 1. Caina: Betrayers of kin. 2. Antenora: Betrayers of country. (Ugolino) 3. Ptolomea: Betrayers of guests. (Fra Alberigo; Branca Doria) 4. Judecca: Betrayers of lords. (Judas, Cassius, Brutus) 1. Caina: Betrayers of kin. 2. Antenora: Betrayers of country. (Ugolino) 3. Ptolomea: Betrayers of guests. (Fra Alberigo; Branca Doria) 4. Judecca: Betrayers of lords. (Judas, Cassius, Brutus) Slide 44 Inferno 33: The treacherous to country: Count Ugolino and Archbishop Ruggieri Ugolino was a Ghibelline who sought to save Pisa from Guelph threats by negotiating with Guelph cities and giving three castles to them--an action that his enemies regarded as a kind of betrayal. Ugolino later feuded with some Guelph powers in Pisa and was exiled. According to one story, the Ghibelline Archbishop Ruggieri invited Ugolino back to Pisa and offered to broker a reconciliation. Upon Ugolinos return, however, the Archbishop betrayed Ugolino, imprisoning him together with his sons and his grandsons. For nine months they were kept in the tower of the Gualandi, and in March 1289 the Archbishop ordered the tower locked up and the keys thrown into the river. --Adapted from notes by Allen Mandelbaum Ugolino was a Ghibelline who sought to save Pisa from Guelph threats by negotiating with Guelph cities and giving three castles to them--an action that his enemies regarded as a kind of betrayal. Ugolino later feuded with some Guelph powers in Pisa and was exiled. According to one story, the Ghibelline Archbishop Ruggieri invited Ugolino back to Pisa and offered to broker a reconciliation. Upon Ugolinos return, however, the Archbishop betrayed Ugolino, imprisoning him together with his sons and his grandsons. For nine months they were kept in the tower of the Gualandi, and in March 1289 the Archbishop ordered the tower locked up and the keys thrown into the river. --Adapted from notes by Allen Mandelbaum Ugolino; Rodin 1881. Hannibal (2001) Slide 45 Slide 46 Now blind, I started groping over each; And after they were dead, I called them for Two days; then fasting had more force than grief http://youtu.be/3fh04bxcsgU?t=5m31s Slide 47 Inferno 33: The treacherous to guests Fra Alberigo: A Friar who killed his kin at a banquet. Dante tricks him into telling his story 33.115; 147. 33.133 ff. The demonic possession of those treacherous to others. Fra Alberigo: A Friar who killed his kin at a banquet. Dante tricks him into telling his story 33.115; 147. 33.133 ff. The demonic possession of those treacherous to others. CQ: Compare and contrast Dantes treatment of Fra Alberigo with that of Francesca in canto V. Slide 48 Inferno 34: Judecca: The treacherous to lords and benefactors Dis, Satan, Lucifer Parody of Trinitarian imagery. Judas : Betrayer of Christ. Judas : Betrayer of Christ. Brutus : Betrayer of the Roman Empire as the assassin of Julius Caesar. Brutus : Betrayer of the Roman Empire as the assassin of Julius Caesar. Cassius : Another assassin of Julius Caesar. Cassius : Another assassin of Julius Caesar. Dis, Satan, Lucifer Parody of Trinitarian imagery. Judas : Betrayer of Christ. Judas : Betrayer of Christ. Brutus : Betrayer of the Roman Empire as the assassin of Julius Caesar. Brutus : Betrayer of the Roman Empire as the assassin of Julius Caesar. Cassius : Another assassin of Julius Caesar. Cassius : Another assassin of Julius Caesar. Slide 49 Inferno 34: Death, Burial, and Resurrection Dante begins his journey into the Inferno on Good Friday, 1300 and emerges on Easter morning. The time reflects a period of personal growth as it reflects the events of the Harrowing. Mount Purgatory formed from the displacement of earth when Lucifer fell from Heaven. The problem of only reading the Inferno. Dante begins his journey into the Inferno on Good Friday, 1300 and emerges on Easter morning. The time reflects a period of personal growth as it reflects the events of the Harrowing. Mount Purgatory formed from the displacement of earth when Lucifer fell from Heaven. The problem of only reading the Inferno. Slide 50 From Inferno to Purgatorio.... My guide and I came on that hidden road To make our way back into the bright world; And with no care for any rest, we climbed He first, I followinguntil I saw, Through a round opening, some of those things Of beauty Heaven bears. It was from there That we emerged, to seeonce morethe stars. Silent Film in Full: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bo4T3GUL9I0 Slide 51 The Structure of Purgatory NOTE: We are skipping Purgatorio readings. Dante must climb the mountain of Purgatory in order to be able to ascend through the spheres of Paradise. Slide 52 Slide 53 The Structure of Paradise Paradiso : The canticle of the ineffable. The Ptolemaic Universe and the structure of Paradise Slide 54 Paradiso 33: Dantes Mystical Vision of God Bernard of Clairvaux and his Song of Marian Paradoxes. Remember Marys intercessory role from the Inferno. Trinitarian imagery continued. Circular motion; eternity and perfection. Love as the impetus of all things. The vision and lactation of St. Bernard. Slide 55 Paradiso and the Medieval Idea of Love For Dante, as for medieval philosophy generally, the natural inclination of every human being is love, a movement toward something outside the self. The natural and proper object of love is God, either directly or as mediated through the created world. Sin occurs when love is immoderately directed to the wrong object, when the creature (including the self) is loved not for but instead of the Creator. - -Allen Mandelbaum and Lee Patterson This is a classic statement of the medieval idea that love is the principle of harmony in the universe. Divine love established and governs the changing and potentially discordant universe; it should also govern the microcosm, man, in his relations with others.Richard Green Dantes Divine Comedy : A love story. Slide 56 Dante The Divine Comedy