Love
Dante recalls, “From that vision onwards my natural spirit began to be obstructed in its operation…so that in a little while I reached so frail and debilitated a condition, that many friends were anxious about my appearance: and many full of malice put themselves about to know about me things that I wished above all to hide from others.” Dante is utterly smitten by Beatrice that he devotes all her emotional energy to her. However, the devotion impacts him adversely for his appearance deteriorates. His debilitation confirms that over-investing in Eros can be emotionally and physically draining.
Death
Dante recalls, “After the departure of that gentle lady it pleased the lord of angels to call to his glory a woman…Then remembering that I had seen her before accompanying the most graceful lady, I could not hold back tears: so weeping I decided to speak a few words about her death, in tribute to the fact that I had once seen her with my lady.” Dante’s empathy occurs because he visualizes how Beatrice would be suffering owing to the demise of her companion. Dante’s grief for a lady whom is not overtly associated with him accentuates his love for Beatrice.
Poetry
Dante explains, “Wherefore afterwards, having considered and perceiving that there was herein matter for poesy, I resolved that I would write certain rhymes in which should be contained all that those ladies had said.” Dante composes poems where he outlines his feelings for Beatrice. The poems read as if he is having a conversation with her. Beatrice is Dante’s muse in the sonnets which he composes for the predominant theme which Dante explores in them is his affection for Beatrice. Dante’s feelings for Beatrice are so powerful that they inspire his poetical ideas.
Agony
Dante recounts, “A few days after this my body became afflicted with a painful infirmity, whereby I suffered bitter anguish for many days, which at last brought me unto such weakness that I could no longer move.” Dante’s agony is attributed to love. The love-related emotional anguish contributes to his physical pain and weakness. Dante’s absolute consumption by Eros demonstrates the underside of love especially when it is unattainable.
