Paradise

Dante gazes at the sun with Beatrice, who explains why his ascent is natural.

Dante enters the Heaven of the Moon and questions Beatrice about the lunar spots.

In the sphere of the Moon Dante meets Piccarda Donati and discovers that even unfulfilled vows find peace.

In the sphere of the Moon Beatrice answers Dante on violence, Plato, and broken vows.

Beatrice explains when a vow may be changed, then Dante ascends to the sphere of Mercury among luminous souls.

Justinian recounts the history of the eagle, denounces those who betray it, and introduces Romeo of Villanova.

Beatrice explains why the death on the cross was a just vengeance and reveals the dignity of the human soul.

In the Heaven of Venus, Charlemagne speaks to Dante about lost kingdoms and about how different human natures arise.

In the Heaven of Venus three blessed souls speak to Dante: earthly love, prophecies, and accusations against the Church.

Dante enters the Heaven of the Sun, sees two crowns of learned lights, and listens to Saint Thomas Aquinas.

Thomas resolves Dante's doubt and weaves the praises of Saint Francis, with a warning to the friars.

Bonaventura recounts the life of Dominic, champion of the faith against heresies, and denounces the decadence of the friars.

In the Heaven of the Sun two crowns of the blessed dance, and Solomon resolves Dante’s doubt about Adam and Christ.

Dante ascends from the Heaven of the Sun to that of the Fixed Stars, where the cross of Mars shines forth.

A blessed soul descends along the cross of Mars, reveals himself as Dante's great-great-grandfather, and recalls the Florence of old.

Cacciaguida recalls the Florence of his time, the vanished families, and the beginning of civil strife.

Cacciaguida predicts exile, solitude, and poetic glory for Dante.

In the heaven of Jupiter Dante recognizes the champions of the faith, then the blessed compose letters that cry out for justice.

In the heaven of Jupiter the eagle resolves a doubt of Dante about divine justice and condemns the corrupt sovereigns.

The Eagle points out to Dante five blessed souls: kings, legislators, and a Trojan, including unexpected names.

Dante ascends to the seventh heaven and meets Peter Damian, who denounces the corruption of the Church.

In the seventh heaven Dante speaks with Saint Benedict, who denounces the corruption of monks and points to the final sphere.

In the eighth heaven Dante sees the triumph of Christ and the crown of flames that celebrates Mary.

In the Primum Mobile Saint Peter examines Dante's faith with questions and answers between theology and wonder.

In the Primum Mobile Saint James examines Dante on hope and a new light appears.

Saint John questions Dante on charity, then Adam tells his own story.

In the Primum Mobile Saint Peter denounces the corrupt popes, Beatrice explains the Primum Mobile, and Dante ascends.

Dante sees a burning point of light surrounded by nine circles of flame: these are the choirs of angels.

Beatrice explains to Dante the creation of the angels, the fall of the rebels, and the faithfulness of the just.

Dante enters the Empyrean, drinks from the river of light, and sees the white rose of the blessed.

Beatrice yields the guide’s role to Saint Bernard, who directs Dante’s gaze toward the Queen of Heaven.

Saint Bernard explains the arrangement of the white rose, the ranks of the blessed, and the patriarchs who compose it.

Saint Bernard prays the Virgin for Dante, who in the divine light sees the universe, the Trinity, and the human image.