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adelevarley's review against another edition
4.0
This was pretty good. Just like Dante, I don't really feel like I have the words to write about any of this, so I'm just going to leave it at that. Would recommend. That's the review.
3.5
3.5
heavino's review against another edition
5.0
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.
roseblossom999's review against another edition
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
0.25
aliyatrvd's review against another edition
okay this is my review for the whole series (or at least the cantos i had to read)
- i didnt hate it, but i also didnt love it. it wasn’t some incredibly transformative trilogy that changed my life in ways you couldnt imagine. but it was interesting.
- VERY hard to understand, if it wasn’t for the lectures, i seriously dont think i wouldve understood any of this
- a lot of the christian references and stuff kind of flew over my head because im just not educated on that so obvi i was kinda like “ok!”
- dante was like “if i like you, youre cool youre fun. if i dont, youre lame youre going to hell” like ok pop off queen i guess
like im glad i read it cause now i can be like yes i read the divine comedy im so literate but i probably will not be writing my essay on this
- i didnt hate it, but i also didnt love it. it wasn’t some incredibly transformative trilogy that changed my life in ways you couldnt imagine. but it was interesting.
- VERY hard to understand, if it wasn’t for the lectures, i seriously dont think i wouldve understood any of this
- a lot of the christian references and stuff kind of flew over my head because im just not educated on that so obvi i was kinda like “ok!”
- dante was like “if i like you, youre cool youre fun. if i dont, youre lame youre going to hell” like ok pop off queen i guess
like im glad i read it cause now i can be like yes i read the divine comedy im so literate but i probably will not be writing my essay on this
aceface's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
addicted2booksstefania's review against another edition
5.0
It’s crazy to say I’ve finished my course on Purgatorio & Paradiso and I’m officially done The Commedia! Despite my issues with Dante, this was honestly such a brilliant text and I’ve been lucky to have an amazing professor to help me understand it. I’m still in awe at how much knowledge Dante had and how much is required to understand all the nuances and jabs and references he sprinkles in the text. Highly, highly recommend reading it, but I recommend taking a class even more.
lori85's review against another edition
4.0
Whereas Hell had Nine Circles and Purgatory had Seven Terraces (corresponding to the seven deadly sins), Heaven has Nine Spheres surrounding the earth, based on the four cardinal virtues (Prudence, Justice, Temperance, and Fortitude) and the three theological virtues (Faith, Hope, and Love). They are the Moon, Mercury, Venus, the Sun, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, the Fixed Stars, the Primum Mobile. Finally, there is the home of God Himself, the Empyrean, a place composed of pure light and intelligence, the source of all Creation and beyond physical existence. Dante's ascent through each Sphere mirrors the soul's natural inclination to rise and seek what is good or, more particularly, the origin of all good. A theme in Purgatorio was spiritual and psychological maturity, in which Dante posited that it is humanity's innate desire for happiness and fulfillment that often leads us to sin, especially if we have not been properly taught discernment. This occurred in Canto 16 of Purgatorio, which is also Canto 50 of the entire Comedy, located directly in the middle and thereby indicating its significance to our understanding of Dante's cosmos.
From what I could understood of it, Paradiso is basically Dante expressing, in as many different and eloquent ways as he can, that this place is very bright and full of joy. There are also many, many metaphors involving hunger, nourishment, bows and arrows, and fruits and seeds. (This last one ties in with one of the motifs of Purgatorio, in which the souls are essentially "pregnant" with their new being.) The corruption of the clergy and present-day Florence are still very much present (and the subject of several long rants) but the overall impression is one of everlasting peace and contemplation. In other words, The Divine Comedy leans dangerously toward the "Evil is Cool/Good is Boring" tropes, although Your Mileage May Vary on that one. Paradiso is definitely the most abstract of the three, which is hardly surprising, considering that the whole point of Heaven is that these souls have found ultimate peace and enlightenment and have nothing left to overcome or strive for.
More on my old blog.
From what I could understood of it, Paradiso is basically Dante expressing, in as many different and eloquent ways as he can, that this place is very bright and full of joy. There are also many, many metaphors involving hunger, nourishment, bows and arrows, and fruits and seeds. (This last one ties in with one of the motifs of Purgatorio, in which the souls are essentially "pregnant" with their new being.) The corruption of the clergy and present-day Florence are still very much present (and the subject of several long rants) but the overall impression is one of everlasting peace and contemplation. In other words, The Divine Comedy leans dangerously toward the "Evil is Cool/Good is Boring" tropes, although Your Mileage May Vary on that one. Paradiso is definitely the most abstract of the three, which is hardly surprising, considering that the whole point of Heaven is that these souls have found ultimate peace and enlightenment and have nothing left to overcome or strive for.
More on my old blog.
pixiechick92's review against another edition
This book requires extensive background knowledge of classical literature and philosophy to grasp the complex allusions and references. It became too heavy and unenjoyable. I will say, there seems to be some really deep ideas; I’m just not in a position to chew on them with gusto.