Commentary Par XX 79-84

This simple comparison, less developed than a 'classical' simile, makes the heavy question within Dante evident to the souls configuring the Eagle.  Despite knowing that, he nonetheless bursts out in amazement and perplexity.  We may need to remind ourselves that for eighty-five cantos the protagonist has resisted the notion that virtuous pagans should be condemned to Hell.  Then the Eagle insisted on that harsh truth in Canto XIX.  And now that same Eagle tells Dante that two of the greatest souls that produce his shape are saved pagans.  It is small wonder the protagonist is both amazed and perplexed.