Paradiso, Canto 17

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Summary

Still in the heaven of Mars, Dante appeals to his ancestor for an explanation of the mysterious and ominous hints concerning his future which he has heard in Hell and Purgatory. Speaking in plain, undisguised language, Cacciaguida tells him the truth: he will be exiled from Florence. Leaving behind all things that are dear to him, he will experience the bitterness of penury. His first refuge will be the court of the Scaligers, and there he will return a second time, when Can Grande shall be Lord of Verona. In him Dante is to repose his trust and hopes for the future. In reply to Dante’s timid suggestion of prudence, Cacciaguida bids him reveal boldly all that he has seen and heard in his journey through the three realms.

The Prepatory Lecture

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Questions for Reflection

• Dante asks Cacciaguide to explain the prophecies about his future that he heard in Inferno and Purgatorio. Now it is time for Dante to learn of his impending exile. Why is it fitting for Cacciaguida to be the one to inform Dante of his future rather than Beatrice or Virgil?
• Who is responsible for Dante’s exile (17.49-51)? How will Dante experience the pains of exile (17.57-72)?
• (g) Why does Cacciaguida warn Dante against being envious of his enemies in Florence (17.97)? Why would envy be so spiritually dangerous for Dante in a time of personal suffering? How does envy threaten the spiritual good that we often face in life? Based on yur reading of the Comedy so far, has Dante been successful in his “foreswearing all envy” of his enemies?
• How is Dante to use his exile both to the glory of God and for the salvation of his enemies (112-142)?
• The episode with Cacciaguida ends on something of a comment on the purpose of Dante’s pilgrimage. Why has Dante been entrusted with this journey through the afterlife beyond his own spiritual benefit? Why has he been shown so many famous figures in the course of his pilgrimage so far? What effect will Dante’s words (i.e. the Comedy) have on its readers?

Paradiso, Canto 17© Jan Hearn

The Images

The prophesy of Dante’s exile: In the story, Cacciaguida’s words, foretelling to Dante the blow of exile that is to fall on him, are the culmination, and clarification, of all the dark and sinister hints he has heard from other souls in the course of his journey. In the allegory, the foretelling of Dante’s future is an instance of contingency which, though foreseeable by the souls in the mind of God, is not a predetermined fate.

Cacciaguida’s charge to Dante: Dante’s hesitancy as to his duty to relate in the world all he has heard and seen recall the misgivings he expressed to Virgil at the outset of his journey: “I am not Aeneas, I am not St Paul.” Virgil reassured him, and with that reassurance implied that, like Aeneas and like St Paul, Dante was by grace selected for a divinely ordained mission for the benefit of mankind. Now once again, and for the last time, Dante seeks confirmation of his calling. Is he to speak out and boldly rebuke vice? His ancestor’s reply leaves him in no doubt as to this or as to the purpose of his high privilege.

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