Statius's Conversion and Poetic Legacy

The story of the Roman poet Statius, who was secretly a Christian and whose poetry was inspired by Virgil.

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Statius's Appearance in Purgatory

The New Companion The Shade Behind A shade appears behind Dante and Virgil, greeting them with 'May God give you peace.' Virgil responds appropriately. The shade is Statius, who has just been freed from Purgatory. The Explanation Statius explains that the earthquake occurred because his soul was purified and ready to ascend. He has been on the mountain for over five hundred years.

Statius's Secret Christianity

The Hidden Faith The Influence of Virgil Statius reveals that he was a Christian in secret, converted by reading Virgil's Fourth Eclogue, which prophesied a new age. He was baptized but remained a covert Christian out of fear. The Punishment for Lukewarmness Because of his timidity, he spent over four centuries on the fourth terrace (sloth) before ascending. His love for Virgil is immense.

Statius's Poetic Debt to Virgil

The Acknowledgment The Mother and Nurse Statius declares that the Aeneid was his mother and nurse in poetry. Without it, he would not have written a line. He would have accepted a year longer in Purgatory just to have lived in Virgil's time. The Embrace Statius tries to embrace Virgil's feet, but Virgil stops him, reminding him they are both shades. Statius rises, understanding the vanity of such gestures.

Statius's Works

The Thebaid and Achilles The Epic Poems Statius wrote the Thebaid and began an unfinished Achilles. He sang of Thebes and Achilles, but his second burden (the unfinished poem) weighed on him. The Influence of the Aeneid His style and themes were deeply influenced by Virgil. Statius represents the continuity of classical poetry into the Christian era.

Statius's Role as a Guide

The Third Companion The Journey Together Statius joins Dante and Virgil for the rest of the ascent. He provides theological explanations, such as the formation of the shade body. The Final Parting Statius continues with Dante into the Earthly Paradise and beyond, but Virgil departs. Statius remains with Dante until Beatrice arrives.

On the fifth terrace of Purgatory, after the earthquake

During the ascent, on the sixth terrace

On the sixth terrace, after the confession

During the ascent, on the sixth and seventh terraces

From the sixth terrace to the Earthly Paradise