Discuss how two texts engage with a similar theme or related
themes in different ways one of the texts being Sula, and other being “Because I could not stop for Death” by Emily Dickinson. Do not try to discuss everything in Sula – it is perfectly fine to focus on one section, or even one moment. Your response should include at least one in-depth close reading of a specific passage from both texts you are comparing.
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
Exploring Death and Transformation in Sula and “Because I could not stop for Death”
In both Toni Morrison’s novel, Sula, and Emily Dickinson’s poem, “Because I could not stop for Death,” the theme of death is central to the narrative, but each text engages with this theme in a distinct manner. While Sula portrays death as a force that catalyzes transformation and self-discovery, Dickinson’s poem presents death as a peaceful journey towards eternity. By closely examining a specific passage from each text, we can gain deeper insights into how these works explore the enigmatic nature of death and its impact on individuals.
Thesis Statement:
In Sula, death is depicted as a transformative force that shapes the characters’ identities and relationships, whereas in “Because I could not stop for Death,” death is portrayed as a serene passage into the afterlife, highlighting contrasting perspectives on mortality and its implications for the human experience.
Close Reading of Sula:
In a pivotal moment in Sula, the death of Chicken Little serves as a catalyst for the unraveling of relationships within the Bottom community. As Chicken Little tragically drowns in the river, Morrison vividly captures the chaotic aftermath of his death: “The drowning was so quiet, so stealthy, so unadorned by melodrama, nobody heard it. Just a shadow whisking across the silver leaves of the watercress” (Morrison, 72). This haunting description of Chicken Little’s demise underscores the suddenness and understated nature of death in Sula. Instead of sensationalizing the event, Morrison focuses on the subtle yet profound impact of death on those left behind.
Furthermore, the aftermath of Chicken Little’s death reveals the complex dynamics between characters like Nel and Sula. While Nel struggles to come to terms with the tragedy, Sula appears detached and indifferent, embodying a sense of freedom from societal norms and expectations. This divergence in their responses to death illuminates how mortality can shape individual identities and relationships in unexpected ways.
Close Reading of “Because I could not stop for Death”:
Contrastingly, in Dickinson’s poem “Because I could not stop for Death,” death is portrayed as a tranquil journey accompanied by a sense of acceptance and inevitability. The speaker describes her encounter with Death as a leisurely carriage ride: “We slowly drove – He knew no haste / And I had put away / My labor and my leisure too / For His Civility” (Dickinson). This serene depiction of death evokes a sense of peace and resignation towards the end of life, emphasizing a harmonious coexistence with mortality.
Moreover, Dickinson’s portrayal of Death as a courteous companion challenges conventional notions of fear and dread associated with mortality. By personifying Death as a gentle escort, Dickinson invites readers to reconsider their perceptions of death as a menacing force, suggesting a more nuanced understanding of the transition from life to eternity.
Conclusion:
Through a comparative analysis of Sula and “Because I could not stop for Death,” we witness how these texts offer divergent perspectives on the theme of death. While Sula explores death as a transformative catalyst that influences personal growth and relationships, Dickinson’s poem presents death as a serene passage into the unknown. By delving into specific passages from each text, we uncover the nuanced ways in which these works engage with mortality, shedding light on the profound impact of death on individuals and communities.
In conclusion, Sula and “Because I could not stop for Death” invite readers to contemplate the complexities of mortality and its implications for human existence. By embracing contrasting narratives on death, these texts challenge us to confront our fears and perceptions surrounding the inevitable journey towards eternity, ultimately prompting us to reflect on the transformative power of mortality in shaping our lives.
