Paradiso, Canto 25

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Summary

The soul of S James joins that of S Peter and, at Beatrice’s entreaty, questions Dante concerning hope. Beatrice herself proclaims that Dante possesses this virtue to the fullest degree; it is by reason of this that he has been granted grace to behold the joy of the elect. Dante defines hope and states what he looks for in the life to come. The soul of S John now draws near and Dante, gazing eagerly into its brilliant depths, is temporarily blinded.

The Prepatory Lecture

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Questions for Reflection

• Why do you think Dante chooses to call his poem a “sacred poem” (25.1) in the canto when Dante discourses on hope?
• How does Dante hope the poem will overcome his exile (25.1-6)?
• What’s the relationship between hope, love, and service (25.45)? Who examines Dante on hope and why?
• How does Beatrice describe Dante in lines 52-54? How does her description indicate the distance Dante has come since we first met him in the dark wood?
• For what does Dante hope (25.67-96)? How might this be connected to the story of Gregory and Trajan in Paradiso 20, or to the sign above the gate of hell in Inferno 3?

Paradiso, Canto 25 © Jan Hearn

The Images

The Heaven of the Fixed Stars: See Canto xxii, under Images.

Dante’s Examination in Faith, Hope and Love: See Canto xxiv, under Images.

Dante’s temporary blindness: See Canto xxvi, under Images.

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