The Divine Comedy
By Dante Alighieri
This edition has maps and guides galore peppering the intro pages. To get straight to it, Dante is lost in a big wood, it a terrifying area, but gets through, resting and continuing on. First he sees a leopard, then a lion, and after, a female wolf. He's driven down the hill by her, he pleading for help from a shade, learning it's his idol, Virgil, he advising he discover a different way to get to his destination, the she-wolf destroying anyone who tried to pass her. Virgil then offers to lead him through to those happily waiting in fire for when they'll be allowed into heaven, the narrator accepting, Virgil also having been denied access. Allegory being thick regarding "the forest" and animals, etc. being related to sinning and whatnot.
There's much reference to Rome and previous mens journeys through parts of hell, Dante unlike them, he hearing from a pretty lady, Beatrice and leading him the rest of the way to heaven's gate, she wishing to return there, herself. Upon finishing their chat, he continues on his path (I'm nor so good with interpretation of allegory, so what I don't list from face value, comes from the notes in the back of text, fyi.). Dante sees a sign above a gate which described losing "hope" upon entrance, he not comprehending, Virgil answering of it to discard fear, upon going inside, the noises moving Dante to tears, asking what sorts of people they'd been, and Virgil responding they'd sought recognition/celebrity, wanting to be selfish over gracing thanks to God. They'd been turned away from heaven and hell. These people want everyone else's outcomes, Virgil deciding they should ignore them and move forward.
This spot was reserved for those without gods, Dante asking again, and Virgil stating he'd know when they reached a specific spot, this having him silent for awhile. They reach the first river of hell, greeted by Charon, a hwhite-haired ole fella, he stating his escorting them to a place of "fire and ice". Dante was bid to be grateful Charon didn't care whether he crossed or not, due to the usual quality of folk he ferried, Dante passing out. He awakes without ceremony on the edge of Acheron, Virgil offerring to lead, the noises oppressive, but the 2 making their way through, Virgil clarifies these sad souls weren't baptized, so they "desire" without wishing. Dante learns only once were human souls saved from this realm, some of Dante's poet heroes approaching them, and including Dante amongst them, everyone chatting until reaching a "stream". They're soon led to Greek heroes, including philosophers. There were many others, but they were on a mission, the next area anything, but bright.
Dante goes into the smaller, louder 2nd circle, where Minos put the souls where they belonged, "swirled away" to the spot, this being the area for lustful souls, and after hearing a sad, love lusted story, he falls down like death got him. When he awakes, he's confronted by more tortured souls and in the 3rd circle, an icy, sludgy mess. Virgil deals with Cerberus by chucking dirt down their throats, Dante then chatting with a fella claiming to know him, this circle containing the fatties, this guy also being mentioned by Bocaccio. They next cross to the 4th circle where the money bent resided. Plutus, the keeper speaks a gibberish language Virgil recognizes as a complaint of Dante's coming through, but they continue on without issue making it to Styx where angry people floated and beat on each other, and those underneath the water, sighing, and making it look like it was boiling the water, Virgil leading them around it and to a tower.
Next, Virgil has Phlegyas take them across the river, he not pleased but acquiescing, Dante meeting a horrible man he recognized and was glad to see tortured by the other damned in the river. Soon, they get to Dis city (ha!), where souls poured down from heaven, noticing Dante and upset he was there and not dead, wanting Virgil to stay and Dante to go back alone, Virgil quelling this fear of Dante's by stating he was staying with him all the way. So, when they're turned away from entering, they take a different route, coming upon a snake-haired trio of ladies, they leaving before Medusa showed and instead of going left, making a right which is symbolically signif.! After Dante speaks with 2 spirits, Farinata and Cavalcante, he gets advice and learns how separate the spirits were to human life. This spirit also revealing he lay with "more than a thousand" more, Dante then returning to Virgil and they leaving the 6th circle, the next area stinky.
Before continuing further down, Virgil gives a geography lesson of hell, whilst they get used to the stank. He gets a better categorization of what spirits did to get them to their circles, those who erred due to emotions and not through anger, "art follows nature". After this, Virgil decides they should continue. They reach the 7th circle, filled with the physically assaulting types. They get to a massive, scary bank. Virgil attempts to distract the Minotaur, currently seeing red and charging, so instructs Dante to zig-zag to where they must go past him. They then must get through the centaurs, who keep souls from going beyond their guilt meter should allow. Chiron, the leader makes this possible for them, pointing out more celebs of the era and escorting them across to "the 2nd Round of the Violent".
They enter woods where Dante hears odd noises as Virgil attempts to explain how the harpies act. Then, Virgil gives Dante a project of pulling at a plant which changed one's thoughts, the plant instead, q'ing why he was being torn at, Virgil acknowledging his mistake to suggest this, and offers remembrance through Dante's eventual exit, the spirit taking them up on this and chatting about himself, Virgil taking over the questions at Dante's request, due to being overwhelmed again. Virgil asks how they became plants, it having to do with Minos' aiming them somewhere in the woods after they rip themselves from their human forms, they hopefully lucky upon where they landed, the Harpies nipping at them. Virgil and Dante are then startled by 2 naked souls running, 1 falling on a bush, "she-dogs" ripping him apart, and he turning into the bush, Virgil asking his I.D., and the man relating his background, like them all.
They reach the 3rd Round of the 7th Circ, a sandy area with "flakes of fire" coming down and burning everyone, Virgil advising Dante stay near the greenery. He then is told how the mtn they were near formed 3 of the rivers, incl'ing Styx and Lethe, Virgil leading Dante on. They pass a group where 1 of the party recognizes Dante as his student, the 2 walking and talking for a bit before the spirit makes a dash to where his party had gone, the rain of fire about to begin again. Dante's next noticed by 3 more spirits, wanting to know, who could traipse through hell whilst breathing, Dante honored by these well-known (not to me) men. When they depart, Virgil hastens them on toward a loud body of water, where they see a large someone step out.
Virgil describes the body of Geryon, he then suggesting Dante go chat with a soul of the area whilst he spoke to Geryon about a request to use his strength. Dante's chat doesn't get him far, but Virgil's does, he catching a ride on the creature's back, Dante sitting midway, so the tail didn't hit him. The ride was terrifying for him, but they get dropped off, the only other time they go right, and Geryon fucking off quick, the 2 making it to the 8th circ. where Dante sees a couple acquaintances. First, the appearance of the 8th circ. is provided, as well as name, how many valleys on the floor which housed should, when Geryon drops them, and they're traveling by foot is when Dante recognizes one spirit, who is referred as a pimp by one of the hwhipping devils. He recognizes another with "shit" on this face, Virgil moving them on.
They reach the 3rd valley, Virgil offerring Dante a closer look at a different spirit, Dante abiding Virgil's suggestion. They listen to the upside-down priest, this valley punishing those who take money on God's behalf, the soul in a hole until Virgil carries out Dante and to the 5th valley. Dante's told of how Mantua was named, Virgil then speaks with some demons whilst Dante waited, hidden, Virgil getting directions before they continued to the next valley, the lead demon trumpeting out his butt when they were through with their exchange. I must say, the Commentary and notes from this edition, whilst lengthy, are useful for the basic need to clarify and simplify what each canto means; I'm enjoying the flow and style of writing, the poetic structure still understandable, which is saying something for myself!
Dante travels through the 5th valley with their entourage of demons, he more occupied with the dark bits around them and their reluctant guests. As the demons passed the souls and gave each other yelled suggestions on how best to torture them, Dante notes the hellions names (If any reader hasn't seen, Your Pretty Face is Going to Hell, you're missing out!), he then requesting Virgil learn who one of the attacked were, he stating his city and wishing he were back under, then gets raked by a demon. A different soul attempts escape which pisses off one demon into wrestling one of his fellows, the 2 getting stuck in stickiness, Dante and Virgil ditching the group as they attempted a rescue mission.
As the duo continue, Dante's mind wanders to one of Aesop's fables, the frog and mouse, the 2 fallen devils reminding him of this. He then voices his concern of the 2 being chased, Virgil dropping them down the 6th cleft to lose their pursuers. They couldn't chase past the 5th circ., so they were safe-like to watch slow, mournful, "painted people". Dante asks for Virgil to keep lookout for peeps who spoke their language, being overheard, and Dante waiting for, now 2 to approach, at first wary, but after learning where he was from, give directions and name a fella on a stake nearby. Virgil leaves them fairly abruptly when realizing the demon'd given him shotty directions, Dante following.
They reach the ruined bridge, Virgil helping Dante up, he hearing a horrifying sound, which upon memory of, gives the goose pimples, serpents of a terrible quality being seen. 1 lizard shows its power after it bites a soul, which burns him to ash, and then revives, he also providing his opinion on certain topics of future. This spirit shows some defiance, by essentially flipping them off and whatnot, he also saying, "Fuck you, God!", in so many words. Haha! After this, the demons subdued him, Dante impressed with his vinegar toward Gott. He biffs off, but the demons remain, providing more deets on him, then Dante witnesses a 6-legged lizard wrapping himself around a demon quite glued, the 2 changing shape, soon from another lizard, to a man (I wonder if line 117 is missing a word "from his _ the man..."?), this happening to 5 of them, only 1 remaining his same self.
"In the 8th cleft of Malebolge", Dante asks Virgil about which spirits were being tortured in a flame, each containing a spirit, 1 being Ulysses, which Virgil warms he keep from speaking, believing he wouldn't appreciate his accent. Ulysses doesn't need prompting, he in the middle of a lament regarding his travels and writing, ending with his end. Their attention is brought to a soul wishing to chat, Virgil prompting Dante to speak with him for knowing Latin. Dante does as the spirit bid, wishing for updates of their country, per usual. Upon the spirit bitterly finishing his account, Virgil and Dante move on to those who cause disruption.
They reach the 9th cleft, which Dante decides too horrific to specify, noting how 1 soul had been split from chin to booty, everyone there receiving similar fate for being coaxers of scandalous affairs. When asked, Virgil shares the reason for Dante staring at them, they so awed, forgetting their constant pain. One speaks to Dante of warning 2 who still lived to tread carefully for where they'd go, as well as how they'd be snuffed. Finally, a spirit straight up announces his identity, Bertram, a fella who advised his "young King" wrongly. After seeing so much despair and torture, Dante wished only to mourn in loitering-style, Virgil inquiring what'd affected him, he moving on as Dante describes seeing a fam. member and being reassured to forget him, but Dante specifies his sadness came from this person not approaching him, and this made him feel worse. This convo is stopped with their coming to the 10th cleft, where piles of bodies lay, 2 souls scratching relentlessly at their scabs. The 2 impressed to give their names and point of origin.
A Greek myth is told regarding a wife carrying her 2 sons, one on each shoulder, and one being caught and smashed, the woman dying with her other son in water, this nothing compared to the 2 nakie shades going after and claiming the 2 scabbed ones. After seeing them leave, Dante gets caught up in another couple's chat, Virgil getting annoyed he was spending time, the 2 moving forward to approach the 9th circle, where Danite notices structures int he distance, and Virgil stating them to be giants, Dante rightly intimidated the closer their approach, til 1 addresses them, allowing they pass after an exchange with Virgil. The 2nd giant is bound, for going "against" Jove/Jupiter, this one directing them to another who would handle them to the spot of Cocytus, again terrifying experience for Dante, the giant leaving them after.
Upon entrance to the 9th circle, Dante considers how he'd write all this, it being of a certain required tone, he receiving the advice to not walk on the needs of those stuck there from an unknown source. Dante then views a frozen lake of faces, he talking to some, and taking names, what sticks with him being the color of their frozenness. As they walk on, Dante crunches on 1 hard enough for the spirit to wonder why he'd been assaulted, Dante giving him the chance to be remembered and the man declining, only wishing he'd move along, but Dante adamant to get his name, pulling his hair with no results. In the end, a different soul outing him, Dante inquiring after another soul biting the back of a head he was frozen beside.
Dante hears his speech, relating how during life, his sons mistook him biting at his hands and offerring themselves, since he'd made them, instead he watching them starve to death, and so overcome calls out to them. He hears from another after intro, of how one was assigned a demon before they died, this one possibly getting a preview close up of his non-resting days. Dante finally reaches the Big man himself, Virgil warning him before reaching him to rally his bravery, due to his massiveness (imagine King Kong Universal Studios Hollywood), and confusedly with 3 differing looking heads, one atop the next, and wings for each. A soul in each mouth, Virgil I.D.'s the 3 and then says it's time to fuck off, he carrying Dante as he climbed on Satan to reach a spot where they could exit, Virgil explaining how the time's changed because of dimensions, seemingly. Dante gets a view of the cosmos and then into Purgatory they go, where they'd be purified.
Dante calls the poetry muse to work her talent, telling of Venus and the four stars, only before seen by Adam and Eve. They see old man Cato, looking backlit, q'ing their escape and names. Virgil has Dante take the knee of repentance and explains of the heavenly lady bidding he lead the living man through, they guiding Dante before his time because of how close to insanity he'd been. So, they now came to see the souls who'd absolved their sins. Once Cato hears of they being there due to an angel's wishes, he has Virgil make Dante wear some wreath about his neck and wash his face of all muck. Virgil leads Dante to the spot and has him wash, then takes a plant and a new one grows in its place.
Dante meets someone from the same city, who Cato isn't fooled by, going back first. Dante and Virgil walk near the shore when Dante sees a light, this quickly I.D.'d as an angel and having Dante bend the knee again. The boat this angel directed, carried a hundies worth of souls, dropping them and leaving, the spirits absorbing their surroundings. They inquire if the duo knew the way, then see Dante breathing, one of the group knowing and embracing him, Dante hoping he'd stay for a chat, the 2 discussing how the spirit'd arrived, he then singing a lovely ditty which all enjoyed. Then Cato has them snap to it and shed their skins at the mountain, the souls off and Dante with Virgil following.
As they approach, Dante sees his own shadow and not Virgil's, thinking he wasn't there at first, they seeing a slow-moving group above them, the 2 coming up and the group stopping when seeing Dante's shadow, they allowing he go first, and one man having him visit his daughter to inform of his status, since in order for him to progress, he'd be relying on those above him, now. Virgil and Dante now approaching Purgatory's gate, the 2 struggling up a rock, upon making it to a ledge, Virgil schooling Dante about why the heavens looked as they did in conjunction to where Erf, is. After, he also relates how upon their opinion changing about their path being ez, they'll be close to the end. Before continuing though, they're met by someone Dante recognizes, which he has a short chat with, the 2 moving on.
Dante's making good progress, til hearing another addressing him, getting Virgil's attention. The spirits bid them hold up a mo. to be known for Dante to return back with news of them. After hearing 3 of their stories, Dante asks Virgil some q's, he talking of Beatrice waiting for him at the top of the mtn. He then speaks of Capulets and digresses to his country's issues. Virgil is greeted by Sordello, and explains where he'd come from, leading them to more spirits, telling their stories. Dante regards of the hour being near when vesper's is done, 1 soul wishing to be heard, grabbing his attention with his first Latin phrase of a hymn, joined by others and Sordello offerring they approach others, Dante noticing one looking like he recognized him. They catch up, his shocking journey affecting both he and Sordello. 1 of the other souls bids he tell his daughter pray for him, her ma no longer loving him. Virgil inquires what Dante had been distracted by, it being 3 torches in the distance, this having replaced 4 stars from earlier, according to Virgil. Sordellow points out their enemy, a snake, it chased off by angel security. Another soul asks about his home country, and whilst Dante hadn't been there before, reassures of their religious upstanding.
Dante is on the mtn with the others and rests, relating a dream, and seeing a winged creature which carries him off and he feels as if he was burned by it, and upon waking with fear, Virgil reassures they'd reached Purgatory. He explains an angel, Lucia offered to transport the sleeping Dante, the group remaining, and Virgil tracking her. Dante visibly calms and they move forward, seeing the keep at the gate, with a sword and face Dante couldn't look at directly. He's asked what their business is, warning if their reason wasn't good, it could be even less good news for them. Virgil mentions who'd told them to go there, they getting passage, but also being advised to keep looking ahead, otherwise he'd be kicked out.
Dante and Virgil first meet souls which are prideful, but before this, a loud clang telling of the gate closing after them, the 2 quite tired after reaching a mtn, with such sheer face it couldn't be scaled, the 2 viewing sketches on the rock. They then see a sad group of souls going the wrong way. The spirits pray safe passage for themselves and others, Virgil then offerring to show them a climbable spot, 1 spirit introing himself and another. Dante details speaking with the soul as long as Virgil'd let, once being told to continue on, straightening his spine, but his mind still bent. Virgil advises he'd feel placated by looking at the ground, carvings all over the surface, and Virgil updating when to bring his head up at an angel's approach. It allows them through, knocking Dante in the forehead with his wing as blessing in continuing on, soon hearing beautiful Latin singing, Dante noting in contrast, Hell's tormented sounds. Dante asks about why he felt lighter, Virgil explaining it'd continue to be easier. Dante then realizing the letters on his forehead had diminished, Virgil grinning.
They reach the top of the stairs where they were purified once more. They then see an emotional-inducing scene involving souls with their eyes sewn shut, Dante getting permission to hear them briefly. He listens to a female about her love of others' losses and now she was repenting, and was there because someone in life'd pitied and prayed for her. After learning Dante was living, she asks he pray for her, as well, and to let her fam know she was fine. After, Dante experiences jealously, but is then forgiven before moving on. He's then struck by a bright light, Virgil relaying it was another angel inviting ascension, they hearing singing as they pass. Dante also begins a helpful chat with Virgil about aiming his goals high, so he doesn't get consumed with anxiety. Certain concerns of Dante's still being too much of this plain, and any other problems he had will be taken away by Beatrice. Dante is then overcome with a violent and sad visions, Virgil asking about his stumbling reactions, but then states of it being Dante's way of closing his "heart to the waters of peace", the q only being stated to rouse Dante further from his stupor. They then are both consumed by a blinding black smoke and air.
Dante is led by Virgil through the blackness by keeping hold of his shoulder, walking behind him, and soon conversing with a soul as they go, the 2 seeming to part coldly. They break through the smoke and are helped to move upward by a masked-by-his-own-light, celestial, Virgil hastening to climb what with not being able to do so again until morning. They make it to the top and must wait, so Virgil schools Dante on the moral rules of Purgatory. Virgil continues to layout love and free will upon Dante's request, he still feeling doubt, so Virgil reminding he wait for Beatrice. They meet a bunch of souls and Virgil asks they point them in the correct way, as they walk, Dante hears a part of one spirit's story, he then getting a few epiphanies, of which lulled him to sleep.
Dante dreams of a siren changing from ugly to pretty, singing of what happens to men due to her looks and voice, the ending being jarring and Virgil calling him awake so they could locate the entry he'd take, the new day having arrived. As they're being allowed through by another angel, Virgil sees Dante staring at the ground, prompting him to mention his dream, and Virgil sensing who he'd seen and reminding him he'd at least seen how to defeat her. Dante then walks among those crying for cleansing, he speaking with 1 who only hoped his niece didn't follow with the rest of their fam and loses her goodness. As they moved on, the song of Gloria is finished, having paused them, then continuing to the next area where they meet a poet having completed his purgatory time. This poet soul comes up to them and upon greeting Virgil, receives him properly, explaining how they'd got there and inquiring why all the souls had taken up the abrupt song. The poet confesses how it's tradition when a soul moved a step closer or onward, he being the one to have moved this time. Dante is amused by how the poet'd been alive with Virgil and looked up to him, saying so, and he pleased with the reunion.
A scar is taken from Dante's face after the angel cleanses him, it now gone. Statius and Virgil then discuss how the formered been converted as Christian, having first been practicing incognito, whilst outwardly seeming Pagan, he learning from this sin for 400 years. Then they catch up on where other poets resided in the Afterlife. They soon pass by emaciated-looking souls after passing an apple tree, Dante being recognized and only knowing him from his voice. Dante is impressed he wasn't lower down, the spirit stating it was again because his widow'd prayed for his soul. They continued to chat as they walk and Dante is soon introed to the other spirits in this fella's party, another of them giving advice on Dante finding his country good despite popular believe, once he met a currently young girl. After this, the group all quicken away for feeling lighter. Dante's buddy then inquires when they'd meet again, he smartly replying, upon his death, which wasn't around the corner by any means, this fella also speed-walking off. The 3 pass another tree where many souls surrounded it, they hearing someone advise they continue on to the tree Eve'd eaten from. Dante is next startled by an angel giving them directions on how to proceed further, and also hopefully discover the state of tolerable hunger which doesn't bloom into excess.
They no longer loitered and went up the single person-sized stairway, Dante fluctuating with asking a q. Virgil coaxes it out, giving the answer of why 1'd look emaciated when feeding yourself was no longer necessary. Statius continues explaining when Virgil has him take over, speaking of 2 types of blood influencing the movement to keep the flow to the body. As they walk through a long drop on 1 side and a fiery bit on the other, Dante struggles to keep his footing, Virgil also states he should be careful, as they listened to those in the fire sing and speak of those couples who stayed true to each other. As Dante walks carefully, a soul asks how he could walk without being burned, before being able to regard his distracted by other souls looking in the opposite direction and briefly greeting each other, Dante then regarding the 1st q'ers, 1 poet ID'ing himself as requested and introing another before leaving, this new fella asking Dante to remember his discomfort when he reached the next "step" and closer proximity to Jesus.
To get to the next level, they had to experience the torture of a fire, but Virgil speaks of Beatrice so as to focus their purpose and the two were guided the rest of the way by a singing angel, making it through. As evening fell, they rest upon the steps, and upon the next morning, and getting to where Dante would next move forward, Virgil releases him as beholden to follow him any longer. Wasting no time, Dante wanders through an old forest, which led to the Lethe river, hearing and requesting a young lady come within beter earshot of what she was singing from the other side of the other named river, she obliging. She explains the 2 sides of the dual named Lete, tasting differently and thirst-quenching, every fruit in existence there.
The as of yet unnamed Matilda walks slowly downriver, Dante follows her pace, coming upon for gold looking tree, Matilda pointing out a bright white-lit procession of people singing, 4 creatures, a griffin pulling a cart, more unique groups to follow, 1 lady having 3 eyes. 7 people were stopped from moving on, Dante then seeing a chariot with Beatrice inside, she having called him, and seemingly berating him, and the angels singing, also seem to stick up for him, buoying him a bit. Upon Beatrice directing pointed q's at him, though, he gets fear sick, answering meekly, and Beatrice then schools him on how he should've handled himself. Dante becomes so ashamed, he passes out, and when he awakes, Matilda is about to dunk him in the river, which has him drink some, then being welcomed by nymphs, he gazing on Matilda.
Dante drinks deeply to satisfy his thirst, the nymphs make him come back to himself when he hears them rate how seriously he partook, everyone then walking on, Beatrice continuing by chariot, the griffin moving a branch and it sprouting anew, Beatrice advising Dante to make detailed notes of his journey from here on, seeing an eagle splatter its feathers over the chariot, and sees a whoore (ASIP Danny Devito-style) and monster smooching in front of him. Beatrice then has the 7 nymphs follow behind her, Dante and Matilda as caboose, until Beatrice calls Dante forward to ask why he followed her without q, he responding reverently. Beatrice then explains the whore and monster would receive Jesus-justice, she hoping he kept track of her speech if not taking notes, so he could share with humanity later. She then has Matilda have him drink from the other named side of the Lethe with Statius tagging, he not describing it for already dedicating pages to other topics, but he returning much refreshed and ready to reach the heavens, what with the river reinforcing all his good deeds and erasing his thoughts of the bad.
Dante then explains how he attempts to list down all he can of heaven, it absorbing one's mind so completely, when gone, it's easy to forget what'd been seen, his poem dedicated to its detail. He copies Beatrice staring at the sun in a way humans can't, the light seeming like it came from a different sun, Beatrice instructing him on how the universe was similar to the shape of God, each aspect directed by an advanced being, she believing now he shouldn't wonder how he'd gotten there being more about scientifically adding up to being in his nature to do so, she continuing to stare at the view. He thanks God for getting him to the first star, per Beatrice's bidding, she then explaining the light they saw from the sun would be blinding with instruction of a science experiment in order for Dante to continue alone, if need be. She concludes how the light was only viewed differently due to the virtue it brought to life coloring it so.
Upon viewing the sun, Dante planned to state something when he forgets because of a ghostly person looking him full on in the face, seeing more faces in her eyes, she amused when he looks behind him to be sure they weren't there, and explains they were stuck with her for not staying true to there "vows", he asking her name and she stating it was Piccarda, a virgin sister in life, she with the others having fallen short of fully staying true to their beliefs, but were joyous to be there, knowing it was for the best of the whole state of the Afterlife and gratified God, everyone having a spot to be, it not necessarily going to be the best. She also mentions how her vows never left her heart despite perhaps being forced to do so by bad men, she unsure what she'd done or whatnot after having left her convent. After this, she mentions Constance's light, then vanishes whilst singing Ave Maria, his attention now back fully to Beatrice, who doesn't look amused, which made him hesitate asking anything prematurely.
Dante was paused with his want of asking, it showing with the look on his face. Beatrice fills in how Constance and Piccarda's actions'd kept them there because when they could return to their habits, they chose to not come back, the look Beatrice giving him at the end having him look down. She then continues her subj. as if she hadn't paused, telling of how the law for joos had tendency to change, but Christians must stand strong and let the bible of both old and new, along with local church leader advise them de way, this being all which "should" be required to be save-dah! They move along and the planet they go to is more filled with light due to Beatrice's presence on it, Dante viewing a thousand lights and addressing a shadow, it responding with joy, thusly.
Justinian takes the long way round ID'ing himself, like so many others, but also discloses he'd been "the Caesar", and proceeds to share Roman history, as well as the non-egotistical Romeo, who'd gotten a similar had as he. Beatrice explains further Justinian's point, and how sin takes away justice, so 1 could at least get the most out of the light of goodness. She then tells how 1 regained their divineness, and even after, still needs God's okie doke to be forgiven. She also describes "primary and secondary creation" which were in reference to her knowing and guessing what Dante's unasked q's were.
Dante describes Dione, the mother of Cupid, once they reach Venus, and how Beatrice, again becomes more striking upon arrival. Seeing fast moving lights coupled with the idyllic rendition of 'Osanna' has, since stayed with him, and left him yearning to hear it again. The spirit-lights declare being prepared to sing an encore if they wished, Beatrice giving them the pleasure of looking at her in return, Dante asking who they were, 1 speaking of being on Erf a short while, and plenty of wickedness'd occurred because of this for this spirit'd have spread the lurv, describing how his bro'd taken over where he'd left off. He also advises how if people on Erf'd think about what's best for the Erf, it'd have better humans, but people who should have certain roles being given to others who have talents elsewhere, which makes the living through it much more difficult to stay true to one's "path". A 2nd spirit is then bid by Dante to speak fo the mirror throne God used to decide goodness over evil. He then intros a whoore in another bright light, she first to jump onboard with Jesus and, ofc being ignored by the Church. He finishes with how "soon" this area would be free of its lust (Yah huh).
Overcome with wonder by the sights, Beatrice delighted in Dante's pure lurv for God, he then seeing bunches of people spirit glow bulbs, slowing their circling of them when they'd felt the music stop for a mo. 1 of them addressing Dante about those who've made it this far would only be coming down those steps only if they wished to go back up them again, without issue. The spirit intro's himself, Thomas Aquinas, and another he knew in life, as well as the rest of those with them, but only alluding to their # in clockwise formation and accomplishments. Dante then is taken with the whole group's harmony of song. They stood still like candles in sticks when finished, 1 speaking to Dante of relating to what he was thinking, detailing by way of hubby and wifey, she loyal to him for the help of her 2 different kinds of angels, going on to state of complimenting one of them is doing so for both. A couple is mentioned where his lurv grew each day, this ofc turning to Jesus, and the light man reminding if Dante'd understood all his side-stories and metaphors, his earlier phrase of, "There is good pasture, if they don't stray." being understood. This all having been Aquinas' way of expanding on the story of Francis of Assisi and the richly quality of his Dominican Order.
St. Dominic is expounded on, then Aquinas continues telling Dante of the perfection of Adam and Christ, as well as the transcendental topic which was a part of Solomon's gift. When Aquinas stops speaking again, Beatrice explains Aquinas hadn't thought to mention another fact, regarding the glow Dante'd acquired, and how he'd keep it once he got back home, even though the human eye wouldn't register this. After looking at Beatrice, Dante notices they'd been elevated, God having agreed to his offering, Dante seeing an image of Jesus and the cross lighting up like a Christmas tree, also hearing pretty music accompanying the flashes, the song indecipherable, other than the usual couple words expected in a hymn. Dante notes how clarity depends on how far one was lifted, he then greeted by his Great-Great-G/pa, who explains their history and how he'd gotten to where he is, now.
Dante asks for his relation to detail more on his boyhood and the greatness at the time of John the Baptist, and those major players in politics. This also includes the fall and end of the powerful Florentine families. He asks GGG/pa to divulge his future, and he amused, obliges, stating of Dante required to leave Florence, and become a loner, cutting himself off from his loved ones, then getting screwed over, but the rightful party getting punished, he then meeting an important man, currently a boy of 9. He also mentions how Dante's work may not be palatable to all, but once finished reading, will ruminate on the story, it being the sort which sticks.
As they float higher, Dante becomes stuck on Beatrice's beauty reflecting heaven again, she needing to remind him to view the place naturally, as well, and not solely through her peepers. He sees more spirits, and then lights flash in time with a tune spelling words from the bible, and forming an eagle. The bird speaks of even bad men respecting its goodness, but not mirroring it. It goes on to wonder the justice of a man who remains unbaptized, still being a good person, so why should he be punished for not obeying a religion he wasn't aware of, people not being the best judges. Next, the spirits around the eagle disclose the IDs of those in its eye. Dante tells of the forgotten songs he heard by the lights which shown brighter, the spirits around it being mentioned. 3 ladies, faith, hope, and love perform a man's baptism for being tired of Paganism, this being 1000 years before it existed, and as this is being mentioned, the lights are still in rhythm with the words.
Dante again becomes enamored with Beatrice's face, she noting how he'd become ashes like some other fool, if she cracked a smile, since she became prettier as they rose higher, she advising he think about what he saw and act like a mirror, so as to interpret what he saw properly, Dante of course ready to do anything she said. He sees what looks like stars coming down a ladder (Jacob's), like birds, some circling as others leave and don't show up again. 1 light approaches close, and Dante regards its love, but doesn't q it, he allowing his curiosity get the better of him. Dante mentions how quiet it was up here unlike down below, and Beatrice also hadn't smiled since then. The light then suggests Dante remember to mention to everyone on erf to not fix their minds on such minutiae, one's ability to understand changing the closer to God one was. Dante is backed into a corner with this answer, so asks his ID, getting the preface of what he did, then states he'd been called Peter Damian, he talking of preachers who'd wear cloaks long enough to drape the horses they rode, more lights spinning about him, and Dante hearing a "cry" which would shatter the Erf, Dante feeling compressed. Peter's aside on priests regarding how religious men now lived in declining standards, they pudge-balls.
Dante looks to Beatrice for support by this noisy reaction, she reminding where they were, and everything around them being divine, he turning as bid, and seeing 100 tiny orbs, pretty together and apart, he shutting down his questions so as not to offend. 1 of the orbs approaches and forwardly answers Dante's thought, the orb telling of having provided the knowledge which rises humanity, turning them from a world-wide cult. All these orbs were of the contemplative souls, Dante appreciative of their goodness, and wishing to see the orb's true form, he assuring this'd come with the last sphere, and once he'd spoken about some others, he returns to the other orbs, and Beatrice nudges him up the ladder to Taurus, their trek quicker, speed being different by this point. Beatrice again has Dante view where they'd been, he seeing the 7 spheres, returning his gaze to Beatrice.
The metaphor used for what Beatrice looked like as she awaited expectantly for sunrise was akin to a bird with her babies waiting for food to be delivered for the little mouths, Dante wanting the same for her. Then he sees all the lights lighting the sky like the sun does here, Beatrice then stating he may be able to withstand her smile now, he seeing a crown float upon a light's head, the lights around mentioning Mary, she going to her son, Dante unable to see it for lacking anymore strength, but as the lights envelop her, the feeling Dante gets as they sing stays with him from then on. Due to a prayer, Beatrice and the light souls become globes moving as if they were planets around a sun, allowing Dante to calculate their holiness. 1 stood out from the rest as brightest, floating thrice about Beatrice as it sang a lovely song, their chat not stated, since its too divine with shininess. What St. Peter says to Beatrice is written, he having stopped his circling due to her vibrant lurv, she speaking in return about he having walked on water. Then, Beatrice gives Dante the okay to release his curiosity, the 2 chatting of religion, and Dante believing in the holy 3, and when he was done, the spirit shows approval by circling him 3 times and singing.
So, they're chat about Christianity is accepted by St. Peter, and next Dante speaks with St. John on what his thoughts were of hope and whether he actually was going to heaven upon death. St. Peter returns, and Beatrice points out St. John, welcoming him after he greets St. Peter. She intros Dante so as to clarify how it'd been willed for him to meet the other holy brethren, since he had the best chance of success, and why it was being allowed before he died. Dante continues with his definition of hope which gets the response of singing again, and Beatrice blinds him again with her beauty, as she tells him of what info he'd return to erf with, the song and sounds stopping, and Dante not seeing Beatrice (for once), when seeking her, but still with her in the place of the holy.
Dante's a bit confused by his sight loss, but someone speaks of as he healed, he should chat, Beatrice having medicinal powers like another, so Dante not in a hurry. After he replies to a q of "How many teeth..." lurv could chomp him with, he pleases all, so they sing, along with Beatrice, "holy, holy, holy!", Dante's vision then returning, and with clearer quality! He then inquires of the new shiny soul among them, Beatrice alluding it was Adam, he being first made to look with yearning to his God. He's then ofc, wishing to q him, saying so with much respect, and getting his answer as to the true punishment from eating the knowledge apple being due to going out-of-bounds rather than gluttony, so remained in Eden, on Erf for 4.302 years.
Dante listens to more praiseful singing, getting high off all the beautiful vibes, then 1 of 4 flames comes up to him and changes, speaking of how a male'd taken his spot on Erf, and turned it to shit for Satan, who digs it. Beatrice's pretty face seems to go ugly with the shift, as the spirit tells of the darkness, he also sounding different as he spoke of what his blood shouldn't have been doing, like capitalizing off Eve, most likely. Or keys which were given to him being used against the baptized, or being known for the seedy side of politics, but instead used to create optimism, he prompting Dante to speak his truths no matter what. Beatrice then has him view how far up he'd risen, but he wishing to pitch woo at her, again, turning back his gaze, her smile making it seem to Dante as if God were rejoicing right up in her face! It's then noted when men lose their innocence, and how it's caused through neglect from church.
Dante looks back upon Beatrice, like a mirror, it snagging him with his lurv, and seeing another bright light, 9 flames circling with the speed in accordance to how far around they circled the spark, the closest, the quickest. Beatrice explains nature and heaven being dependent upon this ritual, Dante having been looking nervous, but the light moving so quickly due to all of the lurv entering it... He believes the further off ones were more divine, but Beatrice details how it worked, having to do with how much virtue they had, he then understanding, and upon her speech ending, the lights revolving more speedily, and the fires also multiplying, a Hosanna being taken up, Beatrice telling of the first 2 circles being Seraphim and Cherubim, the ones circling near them being the Thrones of the divine gaze, this also being where being blessed starts with vision, not lurv, and lastly it is explained how the orders of angels circled, and always looked toward God, whilst also drawing others closer, as well. This all being Dante's vision from within Beatrice's eyes, and continuing after he turns from her, she explaining on the logistics so his simple male human mind could grasp it more clearly.
Beatrice continues the chat of angelical hierarchy, and Luci's fall. She begins with only telling him of the info he'd been obsessed with, she answering about the origins of the lurvs, and how they'd been made, and less than a 20 count did Lucifer fall, the rest starting their circling, and it suiting them so much they continued on. Lucifer was prideful, but the rest acknowledge their roots which made them wise, so if one is offered the merit of grace, one must be willing to accept the order in which it comes. Beatrice then shares a truth which becomes confused on Erf, these beings never turning from God, since they always found joy in it, so they never remembering what they don't see.
On Erf, one goes in multiple directions, and shares new concepts, this being more acceptable than changing scripture, and keeping it on the backburner, or changing its true translation, like priests on their interpretations upon their praise speeches. Like when it's claimed the moon'd eclipse and the Spanish, Indians, and Joos could see it, at the same time, and when priests put their spin on it, the parishioners walking away not learning anything, and priests not preaching correctly, using it like weapons. Beatrice then notes they'd been side-tracked, so'd take a shortcut back to the last material heavenly plane, Empyrean, where they'd await Henry VII to sit upon his throne.
As the sun circles closer, stars wink out 1 after another, the prettiest going, which has Dante again turn to Beatrice, her looks so staggering he thinks only of God truly being able to enjoy gazing upon her, he admitting he was coming to the conclusion of writing about her gorgeousness. Meanwhile, Beatrice is conversing about their new terrain, the living brightness wrapping him up so he could again view nothing, and then getting the upgrade boost, hsi vision able to withstand all maximum shine, he seeing a river where flowers'd enter and exit, and in order to truly understand what he saw, he must partake of the water, the only flaws of it from the person drinking, this aiding people in being greater, Beatrice seeing the path of the river once she'd gotten the water in her eyes, it making a circle. She also sees the flowers and bright lights change into the courts of heaven, becoming physical. Even God can be made viewable, she then showing Dante the throne.
Beatrice's return ascent to her rightful place as God's wife is likened to bees returning to finish their job after pollinating the flower, the angels surrounding her like flames with gold-plated wings, Dante's vision able to see all, what with his merit, he attempting to catch all the details of heaven's layout, but had yet fixed upon any single spot, he wanting to q Beatrice, but instead viewing an old man, St. Bernard, looking pleased as a papa. Dante greets him by wondering where Beatrice had gone, he stating she requested he come there, and instructing Dante where to look in order to view her upon her throne, Dante speaking to her of all the good she'd done for him, and she responding with a smile, looking upon the eternal fountain. Dante's then instructed by Bernard to look over a garden which'd train his eyes for his next stop, Dante having difficulty, but then seeing the brightest light, the throne of Mary, he seeing the fire lose brightness, and over a thousand angels all of vibrant colors stretching their wings, Bernard looking at Mary with lurv.
Bernard continues about the holy muddah, and Rachel, who reclines at Mary's feet, and was also pretty, now sat beside Beatrice, Bernard referring to the way the seats were stacked like a rose, Joo ladies coming after the 7th "tier", groups separated by the type of God faith they'd stayed true, the other side containing a fella who'd gone to hell for a couple years, the tiers continuing downward from there. Bernard explains how all of heaven'd been thought through meticulously, so all flawed spirits were still of grace, so were good. It gives example to twins who brawled in utero. God making it so hair color determined grace amount. Way back when, all a baby needed to get saved, was for the parents to believe, which explains why unbaptized kids were knocking about on a tier. Bernard moves back up to who sits next to Mary, stopping to pray a most righteous pray for Dante, who'd soon envisage the All-maker.
Next comes the praiseful prayer to Mary, who'd sometimes act before the prayer wished. He also gets to Dante to keep his sanity after everything he'd seen, he then motioning with a smile as Dante began raising his eyes to ultimate shiny of God, he now losing ability to describe attribute, which is good apparently, since it shows the greatness of God..., Dante likening it to a dream, and feeling more about it than remembering, he seeing "leaves" randomly placed about the universe, even though Dante'd had steady view of God, the strength of his vision amplifying, and changing him, he seeing 3 colors of circle, all the same size, like 2 rainbows and a fire, which heated both equally. This helps Dante "paint" the circle with his effigy, the idea moving with the speed of the lurv of the sun and star. Dante achieves his desires and needs for his soul, the 2 meshing equally, having pure freedom.
Lucky bastard. My dear, oh my. So, at first I was digging it, but it's quite true of the last few of Purgatory onward can be 1 helluva slog. The speech was mostly pretty, and flowed nicely, but the politics and interviews were a bit of a drag, along with how smitten Dante is over Beatrice being described so repetitiously similar. I'm glad to be done, and also seeing the related movies: What Dreams May Come/Dante's Inferno. Moving along directly!
