Tag Archives: Dante

“Canto 33: Mystic Empyrean — Saint Bernard prays to Mary; The Trinity and Christ’s Dual Nature” What does Saint Bernard do at the beginning of Canto 33? We are now at the end of The Divine Comedy. This is Canto 33 … Continue reading →

“Canto 32: Mystic Empyrean — Saint Bernard and the Saints in the Rose” Of which souls is the Rose composed? Saint Bernard will get Dante ready to see God. He does that by having Dante study the Mystic Empyrean with all … Continue reading →

“Canto 31: Mystic Empyrean—Saint Bernard” Again, we have a change of guides. Write a brief character analysis of Saint Bernard. Who is he, historically? Again, we have a change of guides. Dante looks at the Rose and at the MysticEmpyrean. He … Continue reading →

“Canto 30: Mystic Empyrean — The River of Light; The Mystical Rose” Much of what Dante sees in the Mystic Empyrean is ineffable. What does that mean? If something is ineffable, it cannot be described adequately in words. This is an … Continue reading →

“Canto 29: Primum Mobile — The Creation and Fall of Angels” In Paradise, souls are very helpful. In Paradise, souls are very helpful. Beatrice knows that Dante has some unanswered questions about angels: Then she began: “I say, and I ask not … Continue reading →

“Canto 28: Primum Mobile — The Hierarchy of Angels” What is the Mystic Empyrean? The Mystic Empyrean lies beyond the Primum Mobile. Actually, “lies beyond” is misleading, as the Mystic Empyrean does not exist in space and time. However, because we … Continue reading →

“Canto 25: Gemini — Saint James Examines Dante’s Hope” Which apostle examines Dante in the virtue of hope? Saint James examines Dante in hope. Dante, of course, hoped all his life to be able to return out of exile to Florence. … Continue reading →

“Canto 24: Gemini — Saint Peter Examines Dante’s Faith” Dante will be examined in the virtues faith, hope, and love. My students at Ohio University have to take final exams to show what they have learned; the same is true of … Continue reading →