Write an extended definition on culture
Tell what the word means by using synonyms.
Tell that the word does not mean by using antonymy, (“Bravery is not foolishness.”)
Give the derivation and history of the word: show origins of the word and how the meaning of the word has changed through the years.
Explain the word by using examples and anecdotes. As an example of bravery you might give an account of a person who risked his life to save others.
Quote an authority, and then expand his statement. (Aesop once wrote, ‘It is easy to be brave from a safe distance.’ This means that …”) .
Explain the word from as many different aspects as possible, telling what it is and what it is not. Usually use more than one of the suggestions above
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
Culture: The Tapestry of Human Expression
Culture is a term that encompasses the collective beliefs, customs, traditions, and practices of a particular group or society. Synonymous with civilization, heritage, and way of life, culture serves as the lens through which individuals perceive and interpret the world around them. It molds their values, shapes their behaviors, and fosters a sense of identity and belonging.
However, it is important to note that culture should not be mistaken for its antonym. Culture is not the absence of any shared beliefs or customs; rather, it refers to the specific set of beliefs and practices that characterize a particular group. It is not an empty void but a vibrant tapestry of human expression.
The word “culture” traces its origins back to the Latin term “cultura,” meaning cultivation or tending to something. In its earliest usage, culture referred to the cultivation of land or crops. Over time, its meaning expanded to encompass the intellectual and artistic pursuits that shape a society. The concept of culture has evolved throughout history, reflecting the changing dynamics and values of different civilizations.
To illustrate the concept of culture, consider the following examples and anecdotes:
Language and Communication: Language is an integral part of culture as it enables individuals to express their thoughts, emotions, and ideas within a specific cultural context. For instance, different cultures may have unique idioms or expressions that are deeply rooted in their traditions and history.
Art and Aesthetics: Culture finds expression in various art forms such as painting, music, dance, literature, and architecture. Each culture has its distinct artistic traditions that reflect its values, beliefs, and historical experiences. For example, traditional Japanese tea ceremonies or Indian classical music are manifestations of their respective cultures.
Social Norms and Customs: Cultural norms dictate how individuals interact and behave within their society. These norms may include concepts of politeness, respect for elders, or gender roles. Understanding these cultural norms is crucial for effective cross-cultural communication and fostering mutual understanding.
Renowned anthropologist Clifford Geertz once remarked, “Culture is the fabric upon which human beings weave their sense of meaning and identity.” This quote suggests that culture is not merely a superficial aspect of human existence but an intricate web that shapes our understanding of the world. It provides the framework through which we make sense of our experiences and form our identities.
To fully grasp the concept of culture, it is essential to consider it from various perspectives:
Culture as a Shared System: Culture is a collective phenomenon that is shared by members of a particular group or society. It establishes a common set of values and norms that guide individuals’ behavior and interactions.
Culture as Dynamic: Culture is not static; it evolves and adapts over time in response to historical events, technological advancements, and interactions with other cultures. This dynamic nature allows cultures to maintain their core identity while embracing new ideas and influences.
Culture as Symbolic: Symbols play a vital role in culture, representing shared meanings and values. These symbols can include flags, religious symbols, national anthems, or even everyday objects with cultural significance.
Culture as a Lens: Culture acts as a lens through which individuals perceive reality. It shapes their worldview, influences their judgments, and impacts their decision-making processes.
In conclusion, culture encompasses the collective beliefs, customs, traditions, and practices that define a particular group or society. It serves as the foundation for human expression, shaping identities, values, and behaviors. Understanding culture involves recognizing its dynamic nature, appreciating its various manifestations through art and language, and acknowledging how it influences our perceptions and interactions with others. As Geertz suggests, culture weaves the fabric of our existence, providing us with a sense of meaning and identity in the vast tapestry of humanity.
