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 and Beatrice now ascend to Venus, which has long been associated with love. Swiftly moving souls approach Dante, delighted to hear what he has to say. One of these souls reveals himself to be Charles Martel, who had once been Dante’s close friend. When Martel talks about the decline of character in his family line, Dante is prompted to wonder why people’s attributes vary so widely.
Venus, the third heavenly sphere, has traditionally been associated with love’s irresistible influence. Dante expands on this imagery; for him Venus is associated with all natural inclinations, which human beings are free to use or resist as they will. Just as Justinian’s talk of justice prompted theological questions, Charles Martel’s discussion of various human attributes prompts Dante to consider God’s providence.
Themes
Charles Martel replies, explaining that God’s providence works through creation in various ways. If this were not true, then the cosmos would be chaotic. He notes that the stars are moved by angelic powers. Similarly, people on earth, directed by their souls (which, in turn, are moved by the stars), are designed to fulfill different roles and duties. If human beings adhered more closely to nature’s imprint, they would be better off. However, people tend to force themselves into roles to which they’re unsuited—like “[making] a king of someone who should preach”—and this leads to much needless upheaval.
The opening lines of Paradiso, as well as Beatrice’s discussion of the moon in Canto 2, have hinted at the doctrine of providence. Martel expands on it here. Basically, God provides for humanity by working through a variety of indirect means. This results in, among other things, wide differentiation among humanity (though, coming from God, these indirect powers are all meant to direct people back toward union with God). For ideal harmony within oneself and society, people should cooperate with God’s providential working.
Themes
