Write about a time when “hard work” paid off.
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
A Time When Hard Work Paid Off
Introduction
The journey of life is often marked by moments that test our resolve and dedication. One such moment in my life came during my final year of high school, as I prepared for the culmination of my academic efforts: the college entrance examinations. This experience taught me invaluable lessons about the rewards of hard work and perseverance.
Setting the Scene
As I entered my senior year, I was determined to secure a place at a prestigious university to pursue my passion for [Your Field of Study]. However, the pressure was immense, and the stakes were high. The college entrance exams would not only determine my acceptance into my desired programs but also shape my future career path. I knew that success would require unwavering commitment and a solid study plan.
The Commitment to Hard Work
To achieve my goal, I devised a rigorous study schedule that included daily study sessions, weekly practice tests, and regular reviews of my progress. I set specific milestones for each subject, breaking down the vast syllabus into manageable sections. From early mornings to late nights, I immersed myself in textbooks, online resources, and study groups with friends who shared similar aspirations.
During this time, I faced numerous challenges. There were moments of frustration when concepts seemed difficult to grasp, and days when motivation waned. I remember one particularly challenging week when I struggled with [specific subject or topic], feeling overwhelmed and doubting my abilities. However, I reminded myself of the importance of my goals and pushed through the discomfort.
The Turning Point
As the exam date approached, my hard work began to pay off. I started noticing improvements in my understanding of complex topics and my ability to solve problems more efficiently. The consistent practice tests allowed me to identify areas that needed further attention, and I adjusted my study plan accordingly. My confidence grew with each passing week, and I began to believe in my capacity to succeed.
The Rewarding Outcome
When the day of the college entrance examinations finally arrived, I walked into the exam hall feeling both nervous and prepared. I approached each section with focus and determination, applying the knowledge and strategies I had honed over months of hard work. After what felt like an eternity, the exams concluded, leaving me with a mix of relief and anticipation.
Weeks later, when the results were announced, my heart raced as I logged into the portal. To my elation, I had achieved scores that not only met but exceeded my expectations. I received acceptance letters from multiple universities, including my top choice. The hard work had paid off in ways I had only dreamed of.
Conclusion
This experience taught me that hard work is an investment in oneself that yields significant returns. It reinforced the idea that persistence in the face of challenges can lead to extraordinary outcomes. As I embark on my college journey, I carry with me the lessons learned from this pivotal moment: that dedication, resilience, and a strong work ethic are essential ingredients for success. This experience has instilled in me a lifelong commitment to hard work, which I know will continue to serve me well in all future endeavors.
