The Examination of Dante on Hope

Dante is examined by St. James on the virtue of hope in the Heaven of the Fixed Stars.

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St. James's Question

The Second Examination The Apostle of Hope St. James approaches, and Beatrice asks him to examine Dante on hope. She declares that Dante has the greatest hope of any living soul. The First Question James asks: 'What is hope, and how does it flower in your mind, and from where did it come to you?'

Dante's Definition of Hope

The Answer The Certain Expectation Dante defines hope as 'the certain expectation of future glory, which is the effect of grace divine and merit precedent.' The Sources He says the Psalms ('Sperent in te') first instilled hope in him, and James's own Epistle reinforced it. He hopes for the resurrection of the body.

The Joy of St. James

The Approval The Lightning St. James's light quivers with joy at Dante's answer. He blesses Dante and praises his understanding of hope. The Prophecy James confirms that Dante will see the two garments (body and soul) in Paradise, a reward for his hope.

The Light of St. John

The Third Examination The Apostle of Love St. John appears, and Dante is dazzled. He tries to see if John has a body, but Beatrice tells him that only Christ and Mary have bodies in Heaven. The Examination on Charity John asks Dante about charity. Dante answers that God is the supreme good and that all other loves are subordinate. He lists the reasons for his love: the world's being, his own being, Christ's death, and the hope of eternal life.

The Song of the Apostles

The Triumph The Hymn All the blessed sing 'Holy, holy, holy.' Dante's sight is restored after being dazzled by John. The Completion Dante has passed the examinations on the three theological virtues. He is now ready for the higher heavens.

In the eighth heaven, the Fixed Stars, after the examination on faith

During the examination, in the Fixed Stars

After the definition, in the Fixed Stars

After St. James, in the Fixed Stars

After the examinations, in the Fixed Stars