Mixed Metaphors and the Limits of Human Senses: PARADISO, Canto II, Lines 64 - 84

Beatrice begins her explanation for moon spots (and her destruction of Dante’s explanation) by lofting her vision to the top of the visible universe, then bringing it down to experimental (and experiential) knowledge and the dizzying vertigo of mixed metaphors, all to bring Dante toward the ultimate inexpressible nature of the heavens.

Paradiso Cantos I - VIIMark ScarbroughAugust 26, 2026Beatrice, The moon, moon spots, incarnation, heaven Comments

Of Natural Instincts and Their Natural Ends: PARADISO, Canto I, Lines 115 - 142

If Dante has a question about how his body can transit other bodies in the universe, Beatrice doesn’t answer it. Instead, she launches into a discussion of our natural instincts and how they lead us to our natural ends, unless we swerve from what’s intended for us or find our pleasure elsewhere.

Paradiso Cantos I - VIIMark ScarbroughAugust 12, 2026Beatrice, instinct, natural love, heaven, free willComment

Here are the episodes for the opening cantos of PARADISO. The podcast is currently into Canto III. Because of the way my website is coded, the episodes appear in reverse order. Sorry about that. Scroll through the list to find earlier (or the earliest) episode.