The Empyreum and Figures of the Celestial Spheres of Paradiso (fresco detail) by Casino Massimo, 1817–1827
Even though it was written seven centuries ago, Dante’s Divine Comedy is essential reading today. Joseph Luzzi, a professor of literature at Bard College, explains why as he leads three all-day seminars focusing on each of the Divine Comedy’s three canticles: Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. He highlights the originality and brilliance of Dante’s poetic vision, explaining how this great poem became one of the most influential works in literary history.
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Paradiso is the Divine Comedy’s final canticle. Joseph Luzzi, a professor of literature at Bard College, delves into its avant-garde literary techniques, dialogue between theology and poetry, and treatment of key concepts ranging from Dante’s exile to the transcendent beauty of God’s universe.
10–11 a.m. Introduction to Paradiso
Luzzi relates Paradiso to the Divine Comedy’s earlier canticles, Inferno and Purgatorio.
11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m. Paradiso, cantos 1–10
Key images like Dante’s version of heaven as well as the creation of a new poetic language to describe the final stage of Dante’s spiritual journey are the focus.
12:15–12:45 p.m. Break
12:45–1:45 p.m. Paradiso, cantos 11–22
Luzzi discusses Dante’s understanding of Christian doctrines and his “biographies” of leading church figures such as Saint Francis and Saint Dominic.
2–3 p.m. Paradiso, cantos 23–33
Important episodes such as Dante’s ongoing dialogues with Beatrice and his ultimate vision of God’s creation as a kind of “divine poem” are explored.
Additional Sessions of the Reading Dante's Divine Comedy Series
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