AMENDED, A Podcast from Humanities New York
Term Paper Essay Writing Assignment, based on podcast (see link below) you may ***choose*** ONE of the six episodes to write about please focus on that single specific episode and use writing rubric to guide your writing. Discuss all nuances.
All responses must be typed and (1500 words minimum) APA Format, must be uploaded to Blackboard.
Answer the basic questions to aid your writing:
Who
What
Where
Why
How
Significance (so what is important)
Audience (who cares, who benefits)
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
Title: Unmasking the Power of Myths and Sentiments: A Critical Analysis of the “Amended” Podcast Episode
Introduction
The “Amended” podcast series, produced by Humanities New York, explores the fascinating history and impact of the United States Constitution’s amendments. In Episode 1, “Myths and Sentiments,” the host delves into the myths that surround the creation of the Constitution and how these myths have shaped public sentiment. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of Episode 1, focusing on the key points discussed, the significance of these points, and the audience that can benefit from this thought-provoking episode.
Who
The podcast episode features various experts in American history and constitutional studies, including scholars, historians, and legal professionals. Their insights shed light on the myths surrounding the Constitution’s creation and the collective sentiments attached to it.
What
The episode critically examines the myths associated with the drafting of the United States Constitution. It challenges widely held beliefs, such as the idea that the Founding Fathers were a unified group with a single vision for the nation. The episode explores how these myths have shaped public sentiment, perpetuating an idealized view of the Constitution’s creation and hindering a deeper understanding of its complexities.
Where
The discussion takes place within the context of the United States, focusing on the historical period leading up to the drafting and ratification of the Constitution. The episode references key events and figures from this time, such as the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia and prominent Founding Fathers like George Washington and James Madison.
Why
The episode aims to debunk myths surrounding the Constitution’s creation to promote a more nuanced understanding among listeners. By challenging prevailing narratives, it encourages critical thinking and encourages individuals to question commonly held beliefs. The ultimate goal is to foster a more informed and engaged citizenry that can actively participate in shaping the nation’s future.
How
The episode employs a combination of storytelling, interviews, and expert analysis to explore the myths and sentiments surrounding the Constitution. Through engaging narratives, listeners are drawn into key moments in history, while expert insights provide a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in crafting this foundational document.
Significance
The significance of Episode 1 lies in its ability to challenge long-standing assumptions about the Constitution’s creation. By unmasking these myths, the episode invites listeners to critically evaluate their own understanding of American history and constitutional principles. It highlights that historical narratives are often shaped by sentiment rather than objective truth, emphasizing the importance of approaching history with a critical lens.
Additionally, by debunking myths and exposing their influence on public sentiment, the episode encourages listeners to question popular narratives that may hinder progress or perpetuate inequalities. It underscores the importance of grappling with uncomfortable truths to foster a more inclusive and just society.
Audience
The audience that can benefit from this episode includes both individuals with a general interest in American history and constitutional studies as well as those seeking a deeper understanding of how historical narratives shape public sentiment. Students studying American history, political science, law, or related disciplines can gain valuable insights from this episode to inform their studies.
Moreover, citizens interested in participating in civic discourse or advocating for change can greatly benefit from Episode 1. By critically examining the myths surrounding the Constitution’s creation, they can contribute to informed discussions on constitutional issues and challenge prevailing narratives that may impede progress.
Conclusion
Episode 1 of “Amended,” titled “Myths and Sentiments,” offers a thought-provoking analysis of the myths surrounding the creation of the United States Constitution. Through engaging storytelling and expert analysis, it challenges widely held beliefs, unmasking the power of these myths in shaping public sentiment. The significance of this episode lies in its ability to foster critical thinking, encourage a nuanced understanding of history, and promote more inclusive civic discourse. By engaging a diverse audience interested in American history and constitutional matters, Episode 1 serves as a catalyst for deeper reflection on our nation’s past and its implications for our present and future.
