Admission essay on Why join Yale University?
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
Unlocking Your Potential: Why Yale University is the Perfect Choice for Your Academic Journey
As you stand at the threshold of your academic future, the choice of where to pursue your higher education is a decision of paramount importance. Among the myriad of options available, Yale University stands out as a beacon of excellence, innovation, and opportunity. With its rich history, esteemed faculty, vibrant campus community, and commitment to fostering intellectual curiosity and personal growth, Yale University offers a transformative educational experience like no other.
Thesis Statement:
Yale University’s tradition of academic excellence, diverse and inclusive community, unparalleled resources, and emphasis on holistic learning make it the ideal environment to nurture your intellectual curiosity, challenge your perspectives, and empower you to make a meaningful impact on the world.
Academic Excellence:
Yale University is renowned for its rigorous academic programs, distinguished faculty, and commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge across various disciplines. The university’s emphasis on interdisciplinary learning, research opportunities, and critical thinking equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their chosen fields. Whether you aspire to delve into the humanities, sciences, social sciences, or arts, Yale’s academic environment provides a fertile ground for intellectual growth and exploration.
Diverse and Inclusive Community:
At Yale University, diversity is not just a buzzword but a lived reality. The university’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive community enriches the academic experience by exposing students to a wide range of perspectives, cultures, and backgrounds. By engaging with peers from different walks of life, you will broaden your horizons, challenge your assumptions, and develop a deeper understanding of the world around you. Yale’s vibrant campus community celebrates individuality and encourages dialogue, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued.
Unparalleled Resources:
From state-of-the-art research facilities to world-class libraries, museums, and archives, Yale University offers an array of resources to support your academic pursuits and personal growth. Whether you are conducting groundbreaking research, exploring your creative talents, or seeking mentorship from renowned scholars, Yale provides the tools and opportunities to help you achieve your goals. The university’s global network of alumni and connections to leading organizations further enhance your prospects for success beyond graduation.
Holistic Learning:
Beyond the classroom, Yale University offers a holistic educational experience that extends beyond academics. Through a myriad of extracurricular activities, community service initiatives, leadership opportunities, and cultural events, you will have the chance to explore your passions, develop new skills, and contribute meaningfully to society. The university’s commitment to educating the whole person ensures that you emerge not only as a knowledgeable scholar but also as a compassionate leader ready to tackle the challenges of our complex world.
In conclusion, choosing Yale University as your academic home is more than just a decision—it is an investment in your future success and personal growth. With its unwavering commitment to academic excellence, diverse community, unparalleled resources, and holistic approach to learning, Yale provides the ideal environment for you to thrive, discover your passions, and make a lasting impact on the world. Joining Yale University means embarking on a transformative journey of self-discovery, intellectual exploration, and lifelong learning that will shape not only your academic career but also your identity as a global citizen and changemaker.
