Compare the life and music of Duke Ellington also known as the Ambassador of Jazz, explain and illustrate the impact his music had on people from all cultures during his time of performing in the 1900’s.
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 Impact of Duke Ellington: The Ambassador of Jazz
Introduction
During the 20th century, one figure emerged as a true icon in the world of jazz, captivating audiences across cultures and generations with his innovative compositions and mesmerizing performances. Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington, also known as the Ambassador of Jazz, not only revolutionized the genre but also left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of his time. This essay will explore the life and music of Duke Ellington and examine the profound impact his work had on people from all cultures during the 1900s.
The Life of Duke Ellington
Born on April 29, 1899, in Washington, D.C., Duke Ellington showed immense musical talent from a young age. His mother encouraged his passion for music, and he started playing the piano at the age of seven. In his early teens, Ellington formed his first band, which played at local events and gatherings.
Ellington’s career took off in the 1920s when he moved to New York City. There, he formed the Duke Ellington Orchestra, which would become one of the most influential jazz bands in history. Over the course of his career, Ellington composed thousands of songs, including classics such as “Take the ‘A’ Train,” “Mood Indigo,” and “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing).”
The Music of Duke Ellington
Duke Ellington’s music was a fusion of various styles, including jazz, blues, and classical music. He was known for his innovative approach to composition, incorporating complex harmonies and unique arrangements that pushed the boundaries of traditional jazz. His compositions were often characterized by their rich textures, lush melodies, and intricate orchestrations.
One of the reasons for the widespread appeal of Ellington’s music was his ability to capture a wide range of emotions and experiences. His compositions could be joyful and exuberant, melancholic and reflective, or bold and energetic. This versatility allowed his music to resonate with people from all walks of life, regardless of their cultural background.
The Impact on People from All Cultures
Duke Ellington’s music had a profound impact on people from all cultures during the 1900s. His compositions transcended racial and cultural boundaries, bringing together audiences from diverse backgrounds. In an era marred by racial segregation and discrimination, Ellington’s music offered a sense of unity and connectedness.
One aspect that made Ellington’s music so universally appealing was its ability to evoke emotions and tell stories without the need for words. His compositions spoke a universal language that resonated with listeners across cultures. Whether performing in Harlem or at prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall, Ellington brought people together through his music, breaking down barriers and fostering understanding.
Furthermore, Duke Ellington’s influence extended beyond the concert hall. He composed music for films, theater productions, and ballets, further expanding his reach and impact. His collaborations with artists from different disciplines allowed him to reach new audiences and introduce them to the world of jazz.
Conclusion
Duke Ellington’s life and music exemplify the power of art to transcend barriers and unite people from all cultures. As the Ambassador of Jazz, his innovative compositions and mesmerizing performances captivated audiences during the 1900s. Through his music, Ellington brought people together, fostering unity and understanding in a divided world. His legacy continues to inspire generations of musicians and serves as a testament to the transformative power of music.
