Final Cantos Of Paradiso Analysis

After reading the final Cantos of Paradiso, I found Dante’s interpretation of Heaven as something magical that I hope to be true. Dante begins Canto XXIV by examining the concept of faith and how it’s necessary in order to understand Heaven. In Dante’s conversation with St. Paul, he defines faith as a “…substance of things hoped for…” that satisfies the need for evidence (Canto XXIV, lines 52-87). I believe Dante takes the time to discuss the importance of faith because faith is often a difficult concept for many people to grasp. Through Dante’s definition of faith, he makes it evident that faith is a necessary component in giving our lives meaning and providing us with something better to look forward to. For instance, Dante’s faith in God, as discussed later in Canto XXIV, provides Dante with “…a spark which then…shines in [him] like a star

Dante’s view of the Primum Mobile shows that those who ascend to this level have a complete understanding of how the earth should function. It appears that very few people can reach this level since through age we tend to become corrupt and greedy, which cause us to lose understanding of our lives. Only children seem to hold on to the ideals of faith and innocence that are needed to reach this level (Canto XXVII, lines 97-148). Another important point Dante makes about understanding the Primum Mobile is the desire we should have to be virtuous. Virtue refers to the idea of intending to do the right things and having a balance in our character. Dante explains that once we improve our virtue, we can then have a better vision of God’s grace (Canto XXVIII, lines 94-139). This struggle is seen when Dante is unable to fully grasp the beauty in the River of Light in Canto XXX (lines 46-96). Furthermore, Dante addresses how virtue stems from understanding how to properly love. As explained in Canto XXVI, one must direct their love towards God and the others around them, as well as appreciate what God has to offer