Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Paradiso, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Earthly and Heavenly Justice
Creation and God’s Providence
God’s Character and Will
Vision, Knowledge, and the Pursuit of God
Language and the Ineffable
Summary
Analysis
Dante contemplates the white rose filled with the souls of saints. Angels constantly descend upon these souls, ministering peace and love. After gazing long and joyfully at his surroundings, Dante turns to ask Beatrice a question and discovers that she is not there. Instead, he sees a robed, gentle, fatherly saint standing in her place. To Dante’s query, the soul points out that Beatrice has reoccupied her usual throne in the Empyrean. Gazing on her, Dante prays a prayer of thanksgiving for Beatrice’s gracious guidance.
When he approached the summit of Mount Purgatory in Purgatorio, Dante suddenly turned to see that his faithful guide, Virgil, was no longer at his side. Now, in the Empyrean, something similar happens, as Beatrice returns to her rightful place in order to resume her praise of God. Now that he has attained the ability to contemplate God firsthand, Dante no longer needs Beatrice (who has symbolized indirect revelation of God).
Themes
The soul at Dante’s side introduces himself as Bernard of Clairvaux, a famous monk and theologian. He encourages Dante to look toward the circle of the rose that’s furthest off; there, he will behold the Virgin Mary. When he does, Dante sees a flaming brightness that outshines everything else, angels dancing and celebrating in her smiling presence.
Bernard of Clairvaux was a Benedictine abbot of the 12th century who was renowned as a contemplative (thought to have experienced visions of God during his earthly life) and devoted to the Virgin Mary. As one who experienced such contemplation during life, he’ll now lead Dante toward the same experience.
Themes
