To what degree are they merely victims or puppets of the elite? To what extent are they active shapers of history? Explain the most salient examples over time.
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 Balance of Power: Victims or Active Shapers of History?
Introduction
Throughout history, there has been an ongoing debate about the role of individuals in shaping history. Some argue that individuals are mere victims or puppets of the elite, while others believe that individuals have agency and actively shape historical events. This essay aims to explore the extent to which individuals are victims or active shapers of history. By examining salient examples over time, we can gain insight into the complex dynamics between individuals and the elite, and understand the degree of influence they wield in shaping historical outcomes.
Victims of the Elite
One perspective argues that individuals are primarily victims of the elite, subject to the whims and decisions of those in power. In many historical contexts, ruling elites have exercised control over the masses, dictating their actions and determining their fate. For instance, during feudal times, peasants were subjected to the authority of feudal lords who controlled all aspects of their lives, leaving them with limited agency to shape their own destinies. Similarly, under oppressive regimes and authoritarian governments, individuals often find themselves at the mercy of those in power, with little influence over significant historical events.
Active Shapers of History
On the other hand, history is replete with examples of individuals who have actively shaped the course of events. These individuals have challenged existing power structures and ideologies, leading to significant social, political, and cultural transformations. One such example is Mahatma Gandhi, who led India’s nonviolent resistance against British colonial rule. His actions galvanized a nation and eventually led to India’s independence. Gandhi’s ability to mobilize masses and his unwavering commitment to nonviolence illustrate the significant impact an individual can have in shaping history.
Another notable example is Martin Luther King Jr., whose leadership during the Civil Rights Movement in the United States brought about significant social change. King’s powerful speeches and strategic nonviolent protests challenged racial inequality and paved the way for civil rights legislation. His actions demonstrated that individuals can be catalysts for change, inspiring others and mobilizing collective action.
The Complex Dynamics
While there are instances where individuals have been victims of the elite and others where they have actively shaped history, it is essential to recognize the complex dynamics at play. History is not solely determined by either the elite or individuals; rather, it is often a result of their interaction and interplay. The elite may hold power and influence, but their actions are often met with resistance from individuals who seek to challenge and transform existing structures.
Moreover, individuals who shape history are often products of their social and historical contexts. They are influenced by the ideas, values, and aspirations of their time. Their actions resonate with a broader collective consciousness and tap into prevailing sentiments and movements. Therefore, while individuals may possess agency, their ability to shape history is intricately linked to the socio-political climate in which they operate.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the question of whether individuals are victims or active shapers of history is a complex one. While there are instances where individuals have been victims of the elite and others where they have actively shaped historical events, it is important to acknowledge that power dynamics are multifaceted. Individuals can challenge existing structures and ideologies, mobilize collective action, and become catalysts for change. However, their ability to shape history is influenced by broader socio-political contexts and prevailing sentiments. Understanding the balance between the agency of individuals and the influence of the elite provides valuable insights into the dynamics that drive historical transformations.
