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The Divine Comedy

by Dante Alighieri

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Student Question

What are the circles of Heaven in The Divine Comedy?

Quick answer:

The nine circles of Heaven are those associated with the Moon, Mercury, Venus, the Sun, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, the Fixed Stars, and the Primum Mobile. In each circle, Dante learns new truths and meets blessed souls. Finally, in the Empyrean, he receives a vision of the Blessed Trinity.

Expert Answers

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In the Paradiso section of his Divine Comedy, Dante guides readers through nine spheres or circles of Heaven and then finally into the Empyrean. Let's look briefly at each of these circles.

In the First Heaven, the sphere of the Moon, Beatrice and Dante discuss the nature of the will and the condition of the souls in Heaven. In the Second Heaven, the sphere of Mercury, Dante and Beatrice discuss God's vengeance and atonement.

In the Third Heaven, the sphere of Venus, Dante meets some souls who were transformed from romantic passion to holiness because they relied on God. Dante also learns about how God works on souls in different ways.

In the Fourth Heaven, the sphere of the Sun, Dante meets St. Thomas and St. Bonaventure, and they speak of the Franciscans and Dominicans as well as about wisdom and judgment. In the Fifth Heaven, the sphere of Mars, Dante reflects on the cross and speaks to an ancestor about their home city of Florence.

In the Sixth Heaven, the sphere of Jupiter, Dante learns about God's justice and God's mind. In the Seventh Heaven, the sphere of Saturn, Dante meets contemplative souls and sees a golden ladder of light. In the Eighth Heaven, the sphere of the Fixed Stars, Dante gets a new perspective on Earth and learns about faith, hope, and love.

In the Ninth Heaven, the Primum Mobile, Beatrice speaks of the world's coming redemption, and Dante sees the angels. Finally, in the Empyrean, Dante meets St. Bernard and the Blessed Virgin Mary. He then receives a vision of the Blessed Trinity.

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