Write a persuasive/highly compelling response to the two questions part of the High School National Arts Honor society (NAHS) officer application form for the position of “Vice President”.
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
High School National Arts Honor Society (NAHS) Vice President Application
Question 1:
Why do you believe you are the best candidate for the position of Vice President of NAHS?
As a dedicated member of the High School National Arts Honor Society, I am honored to apply for the esteemed position of Vice President. My passion for the arts, coupled with my strong leadership skills and unwavering commitment to promoting creativity and artistic excellence, uniquely qualify me for this role.
Throughout my tenure in NAHS, I have actively contributed to various artistic initiatives and projects, fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment for all members. I have organized successful art exhibitions, led workshops to inspire fellow students, and advocated for the recognition of the arts within our school community.
In addition to my creative endeavors, I possess exceptional organizational abilities and a keen eye for detail, which are essential qualities for effectively managing the responsibilities of the Vice President. I am adept at coordinating events, communicating effectively with team members, and problem-solving in high-pressure situations.
Moreover, my vision for NAHS centers on empowering aspiring artists, celebrating diversity in artistic expression, and cultivating a supportive network that nurtures talent and innovation. I am committed to amplifying the voices of our members, advocating for resources to enhance our artistic pursuits, and fostering a vibrant arts community that thrives on collaboration and mutual respect.
In conclusion, I am confident that my passion for the arts, leadership experience, and dedication to the mission of NAHS make me the ideal candidate for the role of Vice President. I am excited about the opportunity to serve our organization and lead with creativity, enthusiasm, and integrity.
Question 2:
How do you plan to promote the arts within our school and local community as Vice President of NAHS?
As Vice President of NAHS, I envision a dynamic and engaging approach to promoting the arts within our school and local community. My strategic plan focuses on three key initiatives aimed at enhancing artistic appreciation, fostering creativity, and expanding the reach of NAHS beyond our campus.
Arts Advocacy Campaign: I plan to launch an arts advocacy campaign that raises awareness about the importance of arts education and creative expression. By collaborating with school administrators, community leaders, and local organizations, we can advocate for increased resources and support for arts programs within our school district.
Community Art Initiatives: I will spearhead community art initiatives that engage students, families, and residents in creative projects that reflect the diverse talents within our NAHS chapter. From mural paintings to public art installations, these initiatives will showcase the transformative power of art and strengthen our ties with the local community.
Arts Outreach Programs: I aim to establish arts outreach programs that provide mentorship opportunities, workshops, and artistic resources to underserved populations in our community. By partnering with local schools, youth centers, and cultural organizations, we can make a meaningful impact on aspiring artists who may not have access to formal arts education.
Through these initiatives, I seek to not only elevate the profile of NAHS as a beacon of artistic excellence but also instill a lasting appreciation for the arts in our school and local community. By fostering creativity, collaboration, and cultural enrichment, we can inspire a new generation of artists and advocates who champion the transformative power of creativity.
In conclusion, as Vice President of NAHS, I am committed to advancing our mission of promoting the arts, nurturing talent, and creating a vibrant arts community that celebrates diversity and innovation. Together, we can ignite a passion for creativity, advocate for artistic excellence, and leave a lasting impact on our school and local community.
