The levels of Heaven presented and illustrate by Dante have been quite unusual to me. The concept of levels existing in the first place I expected, but I was not sure how Dante would divide them. To be honest, I'm still not sure how they are divided, just who is divided within them. The first level, the moon, upset me slightly. The fact that the women who were placed in the lowest level were simply there because of a wrong done to them against their own will seemed a harsh placement. The place of the theologians in the sun and the righteous rulers in the sixth place, Jupiter, did not seem to explain why they were placed higher or lower. I did find it interesting that the eye of the eagle in Jupiter was represented by two Jews, two Christians, and two pagans. I'd like to learn more of Dante's reasoning for this and his placement, if any one else has any ideas.
I commented on ... Brannen's.
I guess I didn't catch that they were placed due to being sinned against, but that doesn't seem right. I am sure that it goes back to a medieval Catholic doctrine.
ReplyDeleteYeah, Piccarda being forced to do something against her will, and then being punished for it, definitely didn't sit well for me. It doesn't seem fair at all. If you're not given a choice, can it really count as a sin? I'm trying to be unbiased, because of the very different time period, but... it's still not especially comforting.
ReplyDeleteI agree, it seemed harsh that the first level was as a result of breaking vows against their will. I wasn't sure exactly how to process it.
ReplyDeleteIt seems like a big mix of Italian hierarchy, scientific belief, christianity, paganism, and a little salt and pepper thrown in there.
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