The Examination of Dante on Faith, Hope, and Charity

Dante and Beatrice ascend to the sphere of the Fixed Stars, where they see the triumph of Christ and the Virgin Mary. St. Peter examines Dante on faith, and Dante gives a definition of faith based on St. Paul. St. James examines him on hope, and Dante defines hope as the certain expectation of future glory. St. John examines him on charity, and Dante declares that his love for God is based on the goodness of God himself. Adam then appears and answers Dante's questions about his creation, his sin, and the language he spoke. This episode is a formal examination of the theological virtues, confirming Dante's readiness for the Beatific Vision.