Commentary Purg XXXII 1-3

Dante would seem to be looking back in time, seeing Beatrice now, in 1300, as she was in Florence in 1290 (the year in which she died).  That his eyes are so 'fixed' will be noted by the theological virtues at [Purg XXXII 9] -- and not with approval.

      This is the longest canto in the Comedy.  For consideration of the various lengths of Dante's cantos, see C.Inf.VI.28-32.