Poetry · Chapter
The Great River explained
The chapter reflects on the divine will as a mighty river that carries all human good and ill toward the sea, affirming that the world is safe because it floats in God's will.
What happens
The chapter reflects on the divine will as a mighty river that carries all human good and ill toward the sea, affirming that the world is safe because it floats in God's will.
Themes in this chapter
Spiritual Peace and Rest
The opening quote 'In la sua volontade è nostra pace' (In His will is our peace) and the image of the world floating safely in the divine will emphasize spiritual peace.
Nature and Divine Beauty
The mighty river is used as a metaphor for the eternal Will, blending nature imagery with divine beauty.
Key passages
“In la sua volontade è nostra pace.”
In His will is our peace.
This line from Dante's Paradiso sets the theme of surrender to divine will.
“O mighty river! strong, eternal Will, Wherein the streams of human good and ill Are onward swept, conflicting, to the sea!”
The eternal Will is like a great river that carries all human actions, both good and evil, toward their ultimate end.
The river metaphor illustrates the encompassing power of divine will over human affairs.
“The world is safe because it floats in Thee.”
The world is secure because it is sustained by the divine will.
A concluding affirmation of trust in divine providence.