Beatrice

Who: Florentine girl who Dante loved and who died in 1290; his guide to Heaven after Vergil can go no further

What:

• Inspiration for Dante’s love poetry, New Life (Vita nuova)

• Led Dante from human love to something almost divine

• The Virgin Mary sends Saint Lucia who sends Beatrice to help Dante because of his love for her

When:  ? – Dante lived from 1265-1321; probably written after or around 1301

Where: Dante’s Divine Comedy-Heaven

Significance: Beatrice and Dante are an example of courtly love. She could represent Dante’s hope to see her again and also a model of the blessed who enter Heaven.