People to know pt. 2 Flashcards
(18 cards)
Bonconte da Montefeltro
He was a military leader from the Montefeltro family who died in battle and cried out to God in is final moments. His father is Guido da Montefeltro, who appears in Inferno, Canto XXVII. In contrast to his father, his cry out to God before he died was genuine and he was sent to the third level of anti purgatory with the souls who died violently.
Cato
Seen guarding the entrance of purgatory he will be the last to leave it. Originally he was a Roman senator known for his integrity, republican values, and opposition to Julius Caesar He killed himself rather than submit to tyranny and so the symbol of him resisting corruption lands him in purgatory and not in hell.
Sordello
Originally From Mantua Found in the second terrace of anti purgatory for those who delayed their repentance for their fame. He rants to Dante about the politics of Italy talking about the division, violence, and corruption tearing the country apart. Dante contrasts Sordello and Virgil’s instant bond with the chaos of contemporary Italy, where people of the same region or even city constantly fight each other.
Mark of Lombardy (or Marco Lombardo)
Marco is on the third terrace of Mount Purgatory, where the wrathful purge their sin. He rants to Dante about the Moral decay of the world, free will, Corruption in the Church and State — Marco blames the mixing of spiritual and political power, saying that the Church has overstepped and no longer guides the world morally, and the need for a ruler to rule independently from the church.
Guido del Duca and Rinieri da Calboli
Found on the 2nd Terrace
Their envy ruined both their lives and their communities.
Guido speaks of the moral decay in Italy, continuing Dante’s critique.
Pope Adrian V
5th terrace of purgatory
A pope who repents of his greed and attachment to earthly goods.
Shows that even popes need purification and aren’t immune to sin.
Forese Donati
6th terrace
A friend of Dante’s, now emaciated from purging gluttony.
Their touching conversation mixes spiritual insight and personal warmth.
Guido Guinizzelli
7th terrace
A great love poet and Dante’s literary predecessor.
Represents the refined, spiritual transformation of human love.
Matelda
A mysterious, joyful woman who prepares souls to enter Paradise.
Symbol of active grace, innocence, and purification through nature and love as she leads Dante through the Garden of Eden.
Piccarda Donati
She is Dante’s first encounter in Heaven — placed in the Sphere of the Moon, which is for souls who broke vows (usually under external pressure).
Piccarda was a nun forced by her family to leave the convent and marry. Even though her vow was broken, her heart remained pure, so she’s still in Heaven, though in the lowest sphere. She is a contrast to Francesca in inferno.
St. Francis of Assisi
St. Francis is found in the Heavenly Sphere of the Sun, alongside other notable theologians and philosophers. The founder of the Franciscan Order. He is known for his devotion to poverty, his love for nature, and his deep mystical relationship with Christ. wisdom and theology are good but a relationship with Christ is important as well.
St. Bonaventure
Role: Represents divine wisdom and mystical theology.
Location: The Sphere of the Sun, associated with the souls of theologians and philosophers.
Key Themes: Mysticism, spiritual wisdom, and
Franciscan ideals.
Influence: Bonaventure’s mysticism contrasts with the intellectualism of Aquinas, showcasing that true knowledge of God is not just through reason but through love, humility, and devotion.
Thomas Aquinas
Thomas Aquinas in Dante’s Paradiso is placed in the Sphere of the Sun, symbolizing his profound intellectual wisdom and theological insight. As one of the most important figures of medieval scholasticism, Aquinas sought to integrate faith and reason. In his conversation with St. Bonaventure, Dante explores the complementary nature of both intellectual and mystical approaches to God. For Aquinas, divine love is the source of all knowledge, and his inclusion in the Divine Comedy underscores the centrality of wisdom in the journey toward divine truth.
St. Dominic
Dominic is the founder of the Dominican Order and a champion of doctrinal truth in the Church
In Paradiso, he is praised by St. Bonaventure, reflecting mutual admiration between different theological traditions
His life symbolizes the importance of preaching, learning, and purity of faith
He stands as a model of holy intellect, balanced with deep humility and zeal
How does Trolius see love?
He is a servant to Love. He is like Boethius in many instances and he bows to love’s will throughout the story. He sees love as suffering and is often brought down to woe when he is not with criseyde
St. Bernard of Clairvaux
Location: The highest sphere, guiding Dante to the vision of God.
Role: St. Bernard acts as Dante’s final guide in Heaven. He takes over from Beatrice and helps Dante prepare for the vision of God, offering him prayers and spiritual insights.
Significance: Bernard represents devotion, contemplative prayer, and mysticism. He is an ideal guide for the final step of the journey, helping Dante to see the ultimate truth.
How does Criseyede see love?
She sees love as convenience she is cautious and a realist. She could be compared to lady fortune in this way in that she changes on what benefits her. She is pushed into marriage with Trolius then moves to Diomede when faced with the opportunity.
Pandaraus
He’s a pervert. He sees love as entertaining to watch but not for himself for his amusement.
