Commentary Inf I 77-78

dilettoso monte: in no ways different from the colle of verse 13. See C.Inf.I.13. There is some debate about these verses, but most readers seem content with the notion that the ascent of this mountain represents the best man can do on his own in finding happiness (cf. Mazzoni [DDP Mazzoni.Inf.I.13-15], for whom the reference at Mon.III.xvi.7 to the beatitudo huius vitae, as signifying the earthly paradise, applies to this monte as well). On the other hand, that journey in turn figures, in this poem, the ascent toward Heaven and a more theological joy.