The Violent yet Elliptical End to Piccarda Donati's Story: PARADISO, Canto III, Lines 88 - 108

Piccarda Donati finally answers the question about who she is. She's given her name but not much else about her. In twelve lines (or four tercets) she brings her personal story to its violent yet elliptical conclusion.Before that the poet has to explain what he's learned, the pilgrim has to express what his time with her has felt like, and then she gets to take center stage . . . and not fully answer the question.Piccarda Donati is one of the strongest feminist characters in COMEDY. Her voice is an essential part of the puzzle that includes Francesca from INFERNO and Pia from PURGATORIO.Join me, Mark Scarbrough, as we explore the conclusion to Piccarda's story.If you'd like to help underwrite the many fees associated with this podcast, you can make a donation or even offer a small monthly stipend through this PayPal link right here.Here are the segments for this episode of WALKING WITH DANTE:[01:12] My English translation of PARADISO, Canto III, Lines 88 - 108. If you'd like to read along or continue the conversation with me, please find the entry for this episode on my website, markscarbrough.com.[03:13] Unity is expressed in diversity (at least as far as grace goes).[06:15] A Latin word in the pasage--for one-upmanship or to elevate the sweet new style?[08:32] The mixed metaphoric space of the pilgrim Dante and Piccarda Donati.[12:38] The monastic prelude to Piccarda's personal story.[18:56] The violent yet elliptical end of her story.[25:45] Rereading the passage: PARADISO, Canto III, lines 88 - 108.