Scan barcode
adelevarley's review against another edition
4.0
I liked the pacing of the Inferno better, but overall Dante outdid himself again!
3.85/4 stars
3.85/4 stars
heavino's review against another edition
4.0
A TRILOGY REVIEW:
The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri is a remarkable work of art that has surpassed its medieval roots to become a fundamental piece of Western literature. Written in the early 14th century, this significant piece of writing is more than just a long poem - it is a deep investigation into philosophy and theology that guides readers on a voyage through the realm after death. The trilogy consists of three separate but interconnected parts: Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. Each part provides a distinct perspective on the concepts of sin, redemption, and divine grace.
Inferno: Hell
Inferno acts as the terrifying beginning to Dante's adventure. It shows the underworld, a complex maze with nine concentric circles symbolizing various types of wrongdoing. Dante, led by the Roman poet Virgil, journeys through this horrifying terrain where sinners endure punishment based on the severity of their transgressions.
The vivid and often grotesque imagery is what sets Inferno apart, making it particularly compelling. Dante's limitless creativity creates a world that is simultaneously terrifying and oddly poetic.
The sinners, suffering according to their earthly sins, include historical figures and people known to Dante, providing personal and political reflections. As an example, Dante includes renowned individuals such as Julius Caesar and Cleopatra in the levels of hell, where they are punished according to the nature of their sins.
The design of Inferno is carefully constructed, with each circle assigned to a particular sin: the lustful, the gluttonous, the greedy, the wrathful, and others. The text acts as an allegory for the moral outcomes of sin and also as a criticism of the societal and political problems of Dante's era. In these interactions, Dante portrays a intricate moral world where justice is dispensed with divine accuracy.
The second part of Dante's Divine Comedy, where souls are purified before entering Paradise.
Purgatorio: Purgatory
Unlike the desolation found in Inferno, Purgatorio presents a hopeful and redemptive vision. It shows Mount Purgatory, a peak emerging from the sea, divided into seven levels, with each one symbolizing a different one of the seven deadly sins. Souls in this place are purifying themselves as they ascend towards redemption. This part of Dante's adventure transitions from the stagnant and bleak setting of Inferno to a livelier and optimistic story.
In Purgatorio, the souls are not being punished but are instead undergoing a process of change, seeking redemption through atoning for their sins. Climbing Mount Purgatory signifies a journey, both bodily and mentally, from the shadow of wrongdoing to the brightness of mercy. This action represents the potential for transformation in people and forgiveness from the divine. The penances of the souls reveal the specific characteristics of their sins, enabling a deeper examination of good and bad qualities.
Dante's meetings with different souls on Mount Purgatory provide a diverse compilation of thoughts on regret, absolution, and the capabilities of humans. Every terrace showcases a unique type of penance created to make up for certain sins. The design of Purgatorio highlights the concept of purification and the notion that redemption is a gradual journey, not a sudden change.
The conversations and connections Dante has with the souls in Purgatorio demonstrate a deeper, more caring side of divine justice. This part of the Divine Comedy emphasizes the changing influence of repentance and the idea that even the most serious sins can be pardoned through genuine remorse.
In conclusion,
Paradiso
is the culmination of Dante's spiritual voyage, providing a glimpse of heaven that is both surpassing and deep. Led by Beatrice, Dante rises through the heavenly orbs, each symbolizing a distinct aspect of divine harmony and goodness. The design of Paradiso mirrors the hierarchical layout of heaven, progressing from the earthly realm, passing through the planets, and ultimately reaching the Empyrean, where God's ultimate presence is seen.
Paradiso is organized based on the idea of heavenly spheres, with each one symbolizing a unique virtue and aligning with different celestial bodies. While transitioning from one sphere to another, Dante meets souls who demonstrate these virtues and gains understanding of their significance in the divine structure. The main objective of Paradiso is to uncover the indescribable essence of God and the complete harmony among all creations.
Dante's depiction of heaven focuses more on philosophical and theological reflection rather than on colorful imagery. The language becomes more intricate and abstract, mirroring the deep essence of divine reality. Readers are required to interact with the text on a deeper intellectual level due to the complex allegories and metaphysical debates used.
The ultimate sight in Paradiso, where Dante sees the Beatific Vision of God, is both impressive and difficult to grasp. It embodies the concept of divine love as the highest truth and the origin of everything that exists. The intricacy of this idea highlights the bounds of human comprehension in light of God's infinite nature.
In summary, The Divine Comedy is a significant piece of literature that explores hell, purgatory, and heaven with deep symbolic significance and insightful theological perspectives. Dante's examination of wrongdoing, salvation, and heavenly justice provides lasting insights into human nature and the concept of divine mercy. The trilogy remains important because it combines engaging storytelling with profound philosophical and spiritual exploration, solidifying its place in Western literature and theology.
The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri is a remarkable work of art that has surpassed its medieval roots to become a fundamental piece of Western literature. Written in the early 14th century, this significant piece of writing is more than just a long poem - it is a deep investigation into philosophy and theology that guides readers on a voyage through the realm after death. The trilogy consists of three separate but interconnected parts: Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. Each part provides a distinct perspective on the concepts of sin, redemption, and divine grace.
Inferno: Hell
Inferno acts as the terrifying beginning to Dante's adventure. It shows the underworld, a complex maze with nine concentric circles symbolizing various types of wrongdoing. Dante, led by the Roman poet Virgil, journeys through this horrifying terrain where sinners endure punishment based on the severity of their transgressions.
The vivid and often grotesque imagery is what sets Inferno apart, making it particularly compelling. Dante's limitless creativity creates a world that is simultaneously terrifying and oddly poetic.
The sinners, suffering according to their earthly sins, include historical figures and people known to Dante, providing personal and political reflections. As an example, Dante includes renowned individuals such as Julius Caesar and Cleopatra in the levels of hell, where they are punished according to the nature of their sins.
The design of Inferno is carefully constructed, with each circle assigned to a particular sin: the lustful, the gluttonous, the greedy, the wrathful, and others. The text acts as an allegory for the moral outcomes of sin and also as a criticism of the societal and political problems of Dante's era. In these interactions, Dante portrays a intricate moral world where justice is dispensed with divine accuracy.
The second part of Dante's Divine Comedy, where souls are purified before entering Paradise.
Purgatorio: Purgatory
Unlike the desolation found in Inferno, Purgatorio presents a hopeful and redemptive vision. It shows Mount Purgatory, a peak emerging from the sea, divided into seven levels, with each one symbolizing a different one of the seven deadly sins. Souls in this place are purifying themselves as they ascend towards redemption. This part of Dante's adventure transitions from the stagnant and bleak setting of Inferno to a livelier and optimistic story.
In Purgatorio, the souls are not being punished but are instead undergoing a process of change, seeking redemption through atoning for their sins. Climbing Mount Purgatory signifies a journey, both bodily and mentally, from the shadow of wrongdoing to the brightness of mercy. This action represents the potential for transformation in people and forgiveness from the divine. The penances of the souls reveal the specific characteristics of their sins, enabling a deeper examination of good and bad qualities.
Dante's meetings with different souls on Mount Purgatory provide a diverse compilation of thoughts on regret, absolution, and the capabilities of humans. Every terrace showcases a unique type of penance created to make up for certain sins. The design of Purgatorio highlights the concept of purification and the notion that redemption is a gradual journey, not a sudden change.
The conversations and connections Dante has with the souls in Purgatorio demonstrate a deeper, more caring side of divine justice. This part of the Divine Comedy emphasizes the changing influence of repentance and the idea that even the most serious sins can be pardoned through genuine remorse.
In conclusion,
Paradiso
is the culmination of Dante's spiritual voyage, providing a glimpse of heaven that is both surpassing and deep. Led by Beatrice, Dante rises through the heavenly orbs, each symbolizing a distinct aspect of divine harmony and goodness. The design of Paradiso mirrors the hierarchical layout of heaven, progressing from the earthly realm, passing through the planets, and ultimately reaching the Empyrean, where God's ultimate presence is seen.
Paradiso is organized based on the idea of heavenly spheres, with each one symbolizing a unique virtue and aligning with different celestial bodies. While transitioning from one sphere to another, Dante meets souls who demonstrate these virtues and gains understanding of their significance in the divine structure. The main objective of Paradiso is to uncover the indescribable essence of God and the complete harmony among all creations.
Dante's depiction of heaven focuses more on philosophical and theological reflection rather than on colorful imagery. The language becomes more intricate and abstract, mirroring the deep essence of divine reality. Readers are required to interact with the text on a deeper intellectual level due to the complex allegories and metaphysical debates used.
The ultimate sight in Paradiso, where Dante sees the Beatific Vision of God, is both impressive and difficult to grasp. It embodies the concept of divine love as the highest truth and the origin of everything that exists. The intricacy of this idea highlights the bounds of human comprehension in light of God's infinite nature.
In summary, The Divine Comedy is a significant piece of literature that explores hell, purgatory, and heaven with deep symbolic significance and insightful theological perspectives. Dante's examination of wrongdoing, salvation, and heavenly justice provides lasting insights into human nature and the concept of divine mercy. The trilogy remains important because it combines engaging storytelling with profound philosophical and spiritual exploration, solidifying its place in Western literature and theology.
grvhppr's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
annafranklin04's review against another edition
challenging
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
aliyatrvd's review against another edition
if i hear the word medieval one more time in these lectures i will end it all. if we had to actually read the whole book i would collapse
alice_kingsleigh's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Ta już mi się bardzo dłużyła i chociaż sam w sobie obraz był ciekawy, podobnie jak obraz piekła, nie było tam nic zaskakującego. Ciężki język, plus pisanie poezją niestety nie pomagały. Na końcu namiastka nieba trochę zniechęciła mnie do przeczytania 3 części, więc na razie ją porzuciłam.
drew2718's review against another edition
5.0
Totally beautiful, and makes profound points. The scenes toward the end with Matilda and Beatrice were particularly beautiful. Hollander’s notes help tremendously in following all the inside baseball of medieval Italy.
4lbxrtoii's review against another edition
5.0
It proved more engaging than Dante's Inferno, delving into the intricacies of the seven deadly sins as Dante ascends Mount Purgatory to shed the marks of sin, emphasizing the rejection of determinism in favor of advocating for human free will. Yet, the most poignant aspect for me was the melancholic departure of Dante's guide, Virgil, who fades away, leaving room for Beatrice to take over without Dante getting the chance to bid a proper farewell. This shift adds an emotional layer to the narrative as it sets the stage for the final installment, Paradiso.