Listen now (23 min) | Throughout the Commedia, the phrase “enwhiten” (or imbiancare) emerges as an analogical phrase related to the concepts of heat, passion, the melting down of sinful desire, and the illuminating of one’s spirit. Further, each instance of imbiancare appears, directly or indirectly, with the figure of Beatrice, who as a source or proxy of divine brightness, supplies the Pilgrim with enlightenment.