21. Paradise XXIV, XXV, XXVI

About this Video

• Video Title: 21. Paradise XXIV, XXV, XXVI
• Channel: YaleCourses
• Speakers: Prof, Student
• Duration: 01:16:16

Introduction

This YaleCourses lecture analyzes three cantos (XXIV, XXV, XXVI) from Dante's Paradiso, focusing on the theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity. The professor explores Dante's treatment of these virtues within the context of exile, language, and the nature of God. The lecture also incorporates discussions of medieval theological debates and interpretations.

Key Takeaways

• The Theological Virtues: The lecture examines Dante's portrayal of faith, hope, and charity, emphasizing their interconnectedness and their relevance to human experience in time, unlike the cardinal virtues shared with classical tradition.
• Exile and Language: Dante's experience of exile serves as an undercurrent throughout these cantos, shaping his understanding and articulation of the theological virtues. The nature of language, particularly the language of God, is a central theme, especially in Canto XXVI.
• Faith as Communal and Individual: The professor contrasts Dante's concept of faith with later Renaissance debates, highlighting Dante's emphasis on both communal experience (metaphor of the banquet) and individual, personal faith. The allusion to Peter walking on water illustrates the dialectical interplay between faith and doubt.
• Hope as Realistic Virtue: The lecture challenges the Greek view of hope as delusion, presenting Dante's perspective of hope as the most realistic virtue, emphasizing its connection to temporality and its transformative power on the past.
• Love as Ineffable: Charity (love) is portrayed as the culminating virtue, ultimately defying complete definition. Dante views love as a fundamental, unifying force that escapes easy categorization.
• Adam and the Fall: The lecture discusses Dante's interpretation of Adam's fall, highlighting the significance of boundary transgression rather than merely the act of eating the forbidden fruit. This transgression represents a desire to transcend human limitations and become divine.