Dante's Purgatory

Sandwiched between Inferno and Paradise, Purgatory features Dante’s ascent of Mount Purgatory. The mountain is divided into three sections: the Antepurgatory, Purgatory Proper, and the Earthly Paradise. Sinners must pass through these levels to cleanse their sins and only once they reach the summit may they be forgiven and permitted to proceed to Paradise. During this phase of Dante’s journey he meets the souls of those waiting to ascend into heaven, and must make penance for his sins to carry on up the mountain. As in Inferno Virgil remains as Dante’s guide, until they reach the Garden of Eden in the thirtieth canto. Upon their arrival, Virgil leaves and Dante is reunited with Beatrice, his beloved. This is generally regarded as a major turning point in the text, because it is through Beatrice’s instruction that Dante’s passion transforms into divine love, and it is only in that state that he may truly arrive in Paradise.