La Vita Nuova Symbols, Allegory and Motifs

La Vita Nuova Symbols, Allegory and Motifs

Beatrice

Dante writes, “Nine times already since my birth the heaven of light had almost revolved to the self-same point when my mind’s glorious lady first appeared to my eyes, she who was called by many Beatrice (‘she who confers blessing’), by those who did not know what it meant to so name her.” Dante affirms that Beatrice lives up to the connotations of her name by bestowing blessings in his life. The sensations which Beatrice arouses in Dante are an utter blessing which Dante relishes unreservedly.

Spirit

Dane explains, “At that moment I say truly that the vital spirit, that which lives in the most secret chamber of the heart began to tremble so violently that I felt it fiercely in the least pulsation, and, trembling, it uttered these words:…behold a god more powerful than I, who, coming, will rule over me.’ At that moment the animal spirit, that which lives in the high chamber to which all the spirits of the senses carry their perceptions, began to wonder deeply at it.” The spirit alludes to the Love instinct which Beatrice awakens in Dante. Dante is unqualifiedly fascinated by Beatrice considering that the spirit reacts after his encounter with her. The manifestation of the spirit is an automatic erotic reaction.

“Perfectness

In one sonnet, Dante writes, “For certain he hath seen all perfectness/Who among other ladies hath seen mine:/They that go with her humbly should combine/To thank their God for such peculiar grace.” Beatrice is the epitome of magnificence and grace. Dante is captivated by her gentleness and manners which distinguishes her and makes her an exceptional lady. Beatrice’s extraordinary elegance charms Dante to the extent that he composes a sonnet about it.

Heart

Dante writes, “Love hath so long possessed me for his own/And made his lordship so familiar/ That he, who at first irked me, is now grown/Unto my heart as its best secrets are.” Dante underscores his affection for Beatrice. He is absolutely in love with her; the feelings control his actions, thoughts and sonnet compositions. Beatrice is the muse in the compositions where Dante pours out his feelings.

Tears

Dante confesses, "The eyes that weep for pity of the heart/Have wept so long that their grief languisheth,/ And they have no more tears to weep withal:/And now, if I would ease me of a part." The tears denote Dante's grief of not having Beatrice who "hath gone to Heaven suddenly," where he cannot reach her. His loss is unbearable and it anguishes him. Writing permits Dante to mourn his loss.

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