Everyone belongs to many different communities and/or groups defined by (among other things) shared geography, religion, ethnicity, income, cuisine, interest, race, ideology, or intellectual heritage. Choose one of the communities to which you belong, and describe that community and your place within it.
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
The Writing Community: A Place for Writers to Thrive
Thesis Statement: The writing community offers a supportive and inspiring environment for writers to develop their skills, gain feedback, and connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for the written word.
Introduction
As humans, we all seek connection and belonging. We find solace and inspiration in being part of a community that shares our interests, values, and aspirations. Personally, one of the communities that has had a profound impact on my life is the writing community. This vibrant and diverse group of individuals provides an invaluable space for writers to grow, learn, and flourish. In this essay, I will delve into the intricacies of the writing community, shedding light on its unique qualities and my personal experiences within it.
The Writing Community: An Overview
The writing community is a diverse collective of individuals who are drawn together by their mutual love for the written word. It encompasses a broad range of writers, including novelists, poets, journalists, bloggers, and screenwriters, among others. This community transcends geographical boundaries, allowing writers from all corners of the globe to connect and share their work.
My Place within the Writing Community
As an aspiring writer, the writing community has been an essential part of my journey. Within this community, I have found an invaluable support system that encourages me to pursue my passion and overcome challenges. Here are a few ways in which I have found my place within the writing community:
Feedback and Critique: The writing community provides a platform for writers to receive constructive criticism and valuable feedback on their work. Through workshops, writing groups, and online forums, writers can share their writing and receive insightful comments that help them improve their craft.
Inspiration and Motivation: Engaging with fellow writers allows me to draw inspiration from their creativity and dedication. The writing community is filled with individuals who have faced similar struggles and triumphs, providing a constant source of motivation to persevere.
Collaboration Opportunities: Within the writing community, I have had the chance to collaborate with other writers on various projects. Whether it be co-authoring a book or contributing to an anthology, these collaborations have not only enhanced my writing skills but also fostered lifelong friendships.
Networking: Building connections within the writing community has opened doors to new opportunities. Through conferences, literary events, and social media platforms, I have connected with agents, publishers, and fellow authors who have provided guidance and support in navigating the publishing industry.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the writing community offers a nurturing and inspiring environment for writers to flourish. It serves as a haven where writers can receive feedback, find inspiration, collaborate with others, and expand their networks. Personally, being a part of this vibrant community has been instrumental in my growth as a writer and has provided me with invaluable resources and connections. Whether you are a seasoned writer or just starting out, the writing community is an inclusive space that welcomes all those who share a love for the written word. Joining this community may just be the catalyst you need to elevate your writing journey to new heights.
