Time and Space in Dante’s Paradiso – The Edgar Wind Journal

Gioachino Chiarini Università degli Studi di Siena

Volume 3, October 2022

Abstract
In the third canticle, the subdivision of time and space in Dante’s ultramundane journey, in part
circumstantially reconstructed in relation to the Inferno and the Purgatorio, is confirmed with clarity
in the Paradiso, in turn reinforcing its symbolic form and function. The movement through
landscapes of concentric circles, thrice repeated – travelling downwards in the Inferno, upwards
and towards the sublime in the Purgatorio and the Paradiso – is the prelude to the ultimate vision of
God as a point surrounded by concentric vortices of the angelic orders. Astronomical values and
symbolisms: 22.5° (planetary reference) = various tendencies of the human character; 30° (zodiacal
reference) = specific rational and spiritual attitudes of the individual.

Keywords
Music; song; dance; light; centre

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