What would you like to read?Search books, authors, genres, shelves, users...
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What would you like to read?Search books, authors, genres, shelves, users...
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1265-1321
No author biography available.
1320
Dante Alighieri
1320
Translated by Charles Eliot Norton
An epic poem written in the 14th century. This allegorical work takes the reader on a journey through the celestial realm, where Dante, accompanied by Beatrice, seeks to understand divine justice, love, and the nature of God. The narrative explores various layers of Heaven, shedding light on the souls residing there and their virtues, addressing themes of redemption and the sanctity of vows along the way. The opening of ''Paradise'' begins with a proem and invocation, setting the stage for Dante and Beatrice's ascent to the Sphere of Fire. Dante reflects on the overwhelming glory of God that permeates the universe and acknowledges the difficulty of expressing the experience of the divine. As they rise, Beatrice answers Dante's doubts regarding their ascent, emphasizing the order of the universe designed by God and the intrinsic motivations that guide the souls in their quest for divine understanding. This first canto introduces the meditative quality of the poem, foreshadowing the intricate theological discussions and divine revelations that continue to unfold throughout the text.
