PURGATORIO, Episode 119. The Answer To Wrath Is Written On Your Face: PURGATORIO, Canto XV, Lines 94 - 114

Dante the pilgrim has already had one ecstatic vision as he stepped onto the third terrace of Purgatory proper: the Virgin Mary’s return to Jerusalem to find Jesus after Passover. Now the pilgrim has two more visions in quick succession: Pisistratus and his wife, then the martyrdom of Stephen. These visions give us a clue as to Dante’s antidote for anger or wrath. It’s found on the face, in the countenance.

Mark ScarbroughJuly 28, 2024Purgatorio XV, The terrace of wrath, Visions, Purgatorio, Purgatory, Pisistratus, StephenComment

PURGATORIO, Episode 118. The First Ecstatic Vision . . . Of COMEDY: PURGATORIO, Canto XV, Lines 85 - 93

Dante and Virgil step onto the third terrace of Purgatory proper and the pilgrim is immediately struck with an ecstatic vision, the first such vision in a poem that itself may seem like one big ecstatic vision. This time, it’s Mary at the door, reprimanding Jesus and speaking in medieval Florentine.

Mark ScarbroughJuly 24, 2024Purgatorio XV, Purgatorio, Purgatory, Dreams, Visions, MaryComment