Dante and the Mystical Tradition: Bernard of Clairvaux in the Commedia

by Steven Botterill

• ISBN13: 9780521434546
• ISBN10: 0521434548
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1994-05-27
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Summary

In this study, Steven Botterill explores the intellectual relationship between the greatest poet of the fourteenth century, Dante, and the greatest spiritual writer of the twelfth century, Bernard of Clairvaux. Botterill analyzes Bernard's appearance as a character in the closing cantos of the Paradiso in the context of his medieval reputation as a contemplative mystic, devotee of Mary, and, above all, a preacher of outstanding eloquence. Botterill's new critical stance will provoke a reevaluation of Bernard's significance in the Commedia.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements

1. (Re-)Reading Dante: an unscientific preface

Part I. Reading: 2. The image of St Bernard in medieval culture

3. Bernard of Clairvaux in the Commedia: i. Life after Beatrice (Paradiso XXXI), ii. Mellifluous doctor (Paradiso XXXII), iii. Faithful Bernard (Paradiso XXXIII)

Part II. Re-Reading: 4. Bernard in the Trecento commentaries on the Commedia

5. Dante, Bernard, and the Virgin Mary

6. From 'deificari' to 'trasumanar'? Dante's Paradiso and Bernard's De diligendo Deo

7. Eloquence - and its limits

Bibliography

Index.