Kaleidoscopic Beatrice: Through the Theologians, as a Theologian

In this article, I suggest that the character of Beatrice in Dante’s Commedia should be understood as a theologian, even though her claim to such status relies not on an established historical authority – written treatises, sermons, works, or reputation but rather nature particular person which Dante constructed over his poetic career. The article accordingly reads through two major theologians: Bernard Clairvaux (1090–1153), and Thomas Aquinas (1225–1274). As case studies, present rich opportunities for understanding own views about theology, by seeing them prism Beatrice, we can understand more fully reasons why neither is sufficient pilgrim’s salvation. both incorporates departs from their teachings authority. lover/beloved relationship with pilgrim, theology becomes personified, has often been claim, personalised, requiring person-to-person realisation.