Dante's Star of the Sea: The Narrative Constellation of Mary in the Divine Comedy. (26th October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nayar, Sheila J
• Is Part Of: Literature and theology. Volume 33:Number 1(2019)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 24
• Publication Date: 2018-10-26
• Subjects: Dante -- Divine Comedy -- Stella Maris -- Maritime Culture -- Virgin Mary; Religion and literature -- Periodicals; Religion and literature; Periodicals; 809.9338205
• DOI: 10.1093/litthe/fry027
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0269-1205

Abstract

Abstract: This article argues that Dante's Divine Comedy pivots on a constellation of associations with Mary as Stella Maris, the Star of the Sea, a constellation that not only binds the three canticles of the poem, but additionally positions Mary in a more central position relative to them. These associations work, moreover, to constellate her more intricately with the classical and vernacular traditions additionally seminal to Dante's poetic project, as well as with medieval maritime culture.